Eleanor Finch
Political campaigns have been increasingly using text messages to reach voters. Campaigns can obtain phone numbers by purchasing them from data-mining companies or leveraging extensive databases and digital tools to gather voter contact information. This includes voter registration data, which may include phone numbers, and information from social media apps and other apps with data-sharing arrangements. Additionally, campaigns may collect phone numbers directly from individuals who participate in their campaigns or donate using their smartphones. While campaigns are required to obtain consent for automated messages, they can send manual texts without prior consent. To stop receiving campaign texts, individuals can typically reply STOP or block the sender's number.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Political campaign calls and texts | Exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry |
| Robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones | Require prior consent |
| Political robocalls to landlines | Allowed without prior consent |
| Political robocalls to residential landlines without prior consent | Limited to three calls within any consecutive 30-day period |
| Reporting spam | Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) |
| Opting out of campaign messages | Reply "STOP" |
| Companies' role in data mining | Sell data to advertisers, researchers, and political parties |
| Source of data for companies | Voter registration, online purchases, social media apps, and other apps |
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Voter registration
To register to vote, you will typically need to complete a voter registration application, either on paper or online. This can usually be done through your state's official website or a dedicated voter registration website. Basic personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth, is typically required. In some cases, additional information like your driver's license number, state ID, or the last four digits of your Social Security number may be requested. This information helps to securely identify you in the voter database.
It's important to keep your voter registration information up to date. If you move permanently to a new address, you may need to re-register or submit an updated voter registration application. Some states allow you to update your address online, while others may require a paper form or a signed letter to your county elections official. Remember that your voter registration record should always reflect your current residence. Additionally, if you change your political party affiliation, you can usually update this information through your state election office.
To check your voter registration status, you can visit websites such as My Voter Status or USA.gov. These sites allow you to confirm your registration number, address, political party, and polling place. You may also have the option to register in your hometown or college town, so be sure to explore your options. If you are a military voter or living outside the U.S., you can change your voter information and request an absentee ballot through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
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Data mining
The use of data mining in political campaigns has raised concerns about privacy and data protection. While phone numbers are not required on voter registration forms, individuals may include them, making these numbers accessible to campaigns. This has led to an increase in targeted political advertisements, with campaigns utilizing text messages and phone calls to reach voters.
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Manual texting
Political campaigns can obtain your phone number through various means, including purchasing it from data-mining companies or accessing your voter information. Your voter registration details, such as your address, phone number, and political affiliation, are often sold to political parties for election purposes. Additionally, signing up for information from a political party can result in them obtaining your number.
Once campaigns have your number, they can send you text messages, but the rules vary depending on whether you have a mobile phone or a landline. For mobile devices, campaigns typically need your prior consent for robocalls or robotexts. However, there is an exception for political text messages sent manually, which do not require prior consent.
Additionally, manual texting can be useful for targeted outreach. Campaigns might use this approach to contact specific demographics or individuals in swing states or districts. By manually sending texts, campaigns can customise the message and appeal to the unique concerns or interests of the recipient, making the communication more relevant and impactful.
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Social media apps
Additionally, if you have ever participated in any type of political campaign or donated using your smartphone, signed electronic petitions, or participated in surveys or polls, they will often ask for your number. This provides another avenue for campaigns to obtain phone numbers.
It is important to note that, depending on your state, your voter registration may require a phone number or other public records that anyone can access. Campaigns can request and pay for this information, which can be used for purposes related to elections, political activities, or law enforcement.
To avoid unwanted text messages from political campaigns, you can follow a few strategies. Firstly, assume that any free app you use likely collects and shares data with third parties. Be cautious about providing your phone number to apps or websites, and review the privacy settings of each app to control what data is shared. Secondly, you can use a "burner number" from a service such as Google Voice for non-personal communications, shielding your real number. Finally, if you receive unwanted political text messages, you can reply with "STOP" to opt out of future communications or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) on any carrier to report the sender.
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Public records
Political campaigns can obtain your phone number through public records, including voter registration records. Voter registration records are maintained by state and local governments and are considered public information. These records often include voters' phone numbers, addresses, and political party affiliations. All states, including Kentucky, allow access to voter data for election purposes.
Additionally, data brokers play a significant role in providing campaigns with phone numbers. Data brokers are companies that specialize in collecting and selling consumer data, including voter information. They gather data from various sources, such as public records, store purchases, online websites, online purchases, email lists, phone apps, and voter registration lists. By compiling this data, they create detailed voter profiles that campaigns can use to target specific demographics.
When you sign up for information about a political party or provide your phone number during voter registration, you provide explicit consent for campaigns to access your phone number. This information is then utilized by campaigns for outreach efforts, including sending text messages and making phone calls.
It is important to note that campaign calls and texts are exempt from do-not-call lists, and the rules may vary depending on whether the contact is made to a mobile number or landline.
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Frequently asked questions
Campaigns can obtain phone numbers by leveraging extensive databases and digital tools designed to gather and utilize voter contact information. This includes voter registration, which includes information such as your address and phone number.
Yes, campaigns are required to obtain your consent before sending automated messages. However, no prior consent is needed if they are manually texting from another cellphone.
You can typically opt out of receiving campaign texts by replying "STOP" or by blocking the sender's phone number. You can also consider getting a "'burner number' from a service like Google Voice to shield your real number.
If you receive a suspicious or spam campaign text, you can forward it to 7726 (SPAM) on any carrier to report the sender and prompt an investigation.
Text messaging has become a mainstream communication tool for campaigns due to its high open and response rates compared to other channels such as email. Campaigns can deliver targeted messages, solicit donations, mobilize volunteers, and provide updates through text messages.
