Simone Lawson
Political text messages can be a nuisance, especially during election season when there is an influx of texts from political campaigns. While it is challenging to entirely stop receiving these messages, there are several methods to significantly reduce their frequency. Firstly, it is important to understand that political campaigns are required to obtain prior express consent for sending automated text messages to mobile phones. If you receive unsolicited texts, you can opt out by replying STOP or similar phrases. Additionally, you can block the sender's number or report the messages as spam by forwarding them to 7726. These measures can help reduce the number of unwanted political texts you receive.
How to stop getting political texts
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Consent | Political text messages sent to a mobile phone using an autodialer require the called party's prior express consent. Messages sent manually can be sent without prior consent. |
| Opt-out | If you are receiving texts that you didn't ask for, you can opt out by replying "STOP", "UNSUBSCRIBE", or "CANCEL". |
| Report | You can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 ("SPAM") or filing a complaint online. |
| Block | If you regularly receive calls and messages from the same number, you can block it to prevent those calls and texts from reaching you. |
| Scammers | Scammers are harder to stop. They may send texts claiming there's an issue with your voter registration. Don't respond to suspicious texts or click any links. |
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What You'll Learn
Report the sender by forwarding the text to 7726 or SPAM
If you're tired of receiving annoying political text messages, you're not alone. Millions of political robotexts have been sent, and these can pose a risk to your privacy and influence your voting decisions. While you may not be able to stop these texts entirely, you can take steps to dramatically slow them down.
One effective way to deal with unwanted political texts is to report the sender. You can do this by simply forwarding the text to 7726 ("SPAM"). This method of reporting unsolicited texts is provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). By reporting these messages, you can help ensure that your privacy is protected and that your vote remains your own.
It's important to note that political text messages are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements. However, campaigns must follow rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). If you receive political texts that you didn't sign up for, it's likely that they are violating FCC rules. In addition to reporting the sender, you can also request to opt out of future communications by replying "STOP" to the message. Legitimate campaigns should honour these opt-out requests.
If you continue to receive a high volume of political texts from various numbers and names, you may want to consider additional measures. Blocking the numbers might be a solution, although it can be challenging if the senders use multiple numbers. Some people have found success with call-blocking services like Robokiller, which can help reduce the number of unwanted texts you receive.
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Reply STOP to opt out of future communications
Political text messages are a common occurrence, especially during election season. While they may be a nuisance, they can also pose risks to your privacy and influence your voting decisions. It is important to take control of your phone and block these unwanted messages.
If you are receiving political text messages that you did not ask for, there are a few things you can do to opt out of future communications. Firstly, you can try replying with the word "STOP". According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), legitimate campaigns should honour opt-out requests. You can also try responding with "Unsubscribe" or "Cancel" to see if that stops future messages from that sender.
Additionally, if you are receiving texts from the same number, you can block the number to prevent future texts from reaching you. This can be done by opening the message, tapping on the phone number or contact name, and then following the steps to block the number. This method may be less effective if the sender uses multiple numbers.
If you are receiving texts that you believe are in violation of FCC rules, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 ("SPAM") or by filing an informal complaint through the FCC's website. You can also change your phone settings to filter out all unknown senders, which can help reduce the number of unwanted texts you receive.
While these methods may not completely stop all political texts, they can significantly reduce the number you receive. It is important to take action to limit these unwanted communications and protect your privacy.
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Block the number
If you're receiving political text messages that you didn't ask for, you can block the number on your phone. Here's how to do it on an iPhone or Android:
Blocking Political Texts on iPhone
- Open the Messages app and find the conversation with the political text you want to block.
- Tap the contact at the top of the conversation.
- Tap the Info button, scroll down, and then tap Block Contact.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > Phone and tap "Blocked Contacts". Add the phone number or contact you want to block directly to your Blocked Contacts list.
- You can also report iMessages that look like spam or junk. Open the Messages app, tap "Report Junk" under the message, then tap "Delete and Report Junk".
Blocking Political Texts on Android
- On Android, you can set up a Do Not Disturb schedule to block all notifications during specific times. While this doesn't block political texts from a specific number, you can choose to only allow notifications from certain people and apps during those times.
- If you use Google Voice, you can block calls and texts from specific numbers, but it doesn't appear that you can set time-based rules for blocking texts.
- Additionally, you can try using a third-party SMS app, such as Pure SMS, which offers more blocking options.
Other Options
If blocking the number doesn't work, or if you're still receiving unwanted political texts, you have a few other options:
- Reply "STOP" to the text message. By law, campaigns must honor opt-out requests.
- Report the sender by forwarding the text to 7726 ("SPAM").
- File an informal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov/complaints.
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Change your phone settings to filter out unknown senders
If you're tired of receiving political texts from unknown senders, changing your phone settings to filter them out is a great option. Here's how you can do it:
For iPhone Users:
To filter out unknown senders on your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. From there, scroll down and turn on Filter Unknown Senders. With this setting enabled, you'll see a new tab for unknown senders in your Messages app, but you won't receive notifications for these messages.
Additionally, you can also block specific numbers by opening the Messages app, tapping the conversation, and then tapping the name or phone number. Scroll to the bottom of the Info screen and tap Block this Caller.
For Android Users:
If you're using an Android phone, the process may vary slightly depending on your device and messaging app. However, for Android 13 devices, open your Messages app and go to Spam & Blocked > Blocked Contacts. Then, turn on Unknown to block messages from anyone not in your contacts.
You can also enable Block calls from unknown numbers to ensure that only people in your contacts can reach you. This setting is usually found within your phone or messaging app settings.
Third-Party Apps:
If you're looking for additional protection, consider using third-party apps designed for spam-blocking and call protection. For example, popular cell phone carriers like AT&T and Verizon offer their own apps with features for blocking unknown callers and spam messages. Additionally, Google Voice is another service that provides spam call and text filtering, along with calling number blocking.
By adjusting your phone settings and utilizing available tools, you can effectively filter out those unwanted political texts from unknown senders.
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File an informal complaint with the FCC
If you're tired of receiving endless political text messages, you're not alone. With an increase in political campaigns during election season, it's no surprise that many people are seeking ways to stop these unwanted messages. While it may not be possible to entirely prevent political texts, there are certainly ways to reduce their frequency. One effective method is to file an informal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
Understanding the Rules
Before filing a complaint, it's important to know the rules that political campaigns must follow regarding text messages. According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), political text messages sent to mobile phones using an autodialer require your prior express consent. However, if the messages are sent manually, they can be sent without prior consent. Additionally, political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements.
Recognizing Violations
Now that you're familiar with the rules, it's essential to identify when they are being violated. If you're receiving political text messages without providing your prior consent, it's a clear breach of the TCPA. Additionally, if you have revoked your consent by replying "STOP" or making an opt-out request, and they continue to send messages, that's another violation. Keep in mind that political campaigns are only allowed to send up to three robocalls to your residential landline within any consecutive 30-day period.
Gathering Evidence
When you're certain that the political text messages are violating the rules, it's time to gather evidence. Make sure to save all the unwanted text messages that you receive. Take screenshots or forward the messages to your email address for safekeeping. It's important to have a record of these messages when filing your complaint.
Filing the Informal Complaint
You can file an informal complaint with the FCC in several ways. The quickest and most effective method is to file a complaint online at fcc.gov/complaints. This website will guide you through the process of submitting your complaint. Alternatively, you can call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) or make an ASL Video Call to 1-844-432-2275. If you prefer to submit your complaint by mail, send it to the following address:
> Federal Communications Commission
> Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
> 45 L Street NE
> Washington, DC 20554
Remember to include your name, address, contact information, and as many details about your complaint as possible. Provide a clear and detailed description of the violation, including the dates and frequencies of the unwanted text messages. You can also attach any relevant evidence, such as screenshots or forwarded messages, to support your claim.
Following Up
After submitting your complaint, you may receive additional resources and guidance from the FCC. They can direct you to other agencies that might have jurisdiction over your specific issue. Stay persistent and continue to report any further violations. Your efforts, along with those of many others, can contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection on a national scale.
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Frequently asked questions
You can reply "STOP" to the message, and legitimate campaigns should honor your opt-out request. You can also block the number by opening the message, tapping on the phone number or contact name, and then tapping the "Block" option.
If you continue to receive texts that you didn't ask for, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 ("SPAM").
Blocking the numbers may be less effective if the senders use multiple numbers. In this case, you can consider using a call-blocking service like Robokiller.
During election seasons, there is often an increase in political text messages from campaigns. COVID-19 also boosted the growth of texting as an alternative to in-person events.
Aside from being a nuisance, political texts can pose risks to your privacy and influence your voting decisions. It is important to be aware of these risks and take steps to manage these communications.
