Stop Election Texts: Regain Peace With These Simple Steps

During election season, it is common for people to receive an influx of unwanted text messages from political campaigns. These messages can be annoying and even dangerous, as they may contain malware or links to fraudulent websites. While it is difficult to completely stop receiving these texts, there are several methods to reduce their frequency. One way is to reply STOP to the message, which should prompt legitimate campaigns to remove you from their contact list. You can also block the number or change your phone settings to filter out unknown senders. Additionally, you can report spam texts by forwarding them to 7726 or by filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

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Replying STOP to unsubscribe

Replying "STOP" to unsubscribe from election texts can be an effective way to reduce the number of unwanted messages you receive. While it may not completely stop all political texts, it is a good first step. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you unsubscribe from election texts:

First, it's important to understand that political campaigns generally need your prior consent to send you text messages. However, there is an exception for messages that are manually typed and sent by a real person. Most political texts are sent using ""auto-dial" technology, which blasts out messages to thousands of numbers at once. These types of "robotexts" are not supposed to be sent without your consent.

When you reply "STOP" to a political text, you are revoking your consent for that particular campaign to contact you. According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), campaigns are required to honor your request to revoke consent. By replying "STOP," you are opting out of further text messages from that specific campaign.

However, it's important to note that replying "STOP" may not prevent you from receiving texts from other campaigns or organizations that have purchased the same contact list. To further reduce unwanted texts, you can block the number after replying "STOP." You can also adjust your phone settings to filter out text messages from unknown senders or those not in your contact list.

Additionally, if you receive a text that you believe violates the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, you can report it by forwarding the text to 7726 ("SPAM"). This helps the FCC identify and take action against campaigns that are not complying with the regulations.

While replying "STOP" is a good starting point, it might not be effective for all organizations. Some groups, such as Act Blue or Winred, have been known to disregard unsubscribe requests and continue sending spam messages. In these cases, blocking the number or reporting them to the FCC may be more effective.

By following these steps and being cautious of links in text messages, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted election texts you receive. Remember that legitimate companies that violate the rules can face fines, but scammers may be more challenging to stop.

Blocking the number

If you are tired of receiving unwanted text messages during election season, you can block the number on your phone. Here's how you can do it:

• Locate the Number in Your Messages: Open the Messages app and find the political text message you want to block.
• Open the Message Thread: Tap on the message to open the conversation thread.
• Access Contact Options: Tap on the phone number or contact name at the top of the screen. This will open a new menu with various options.
• Select the "Block" Option: Depending on your device, you may see options such as "Block," "Block Number," or "Add to Spam." Choose the appropriate option to block the number.

By blocking the number, you will prevent any further text messages or calls from that specific number. It is important to note that blocking a number only applies to that particular number, and if the sender uses multiple numbers, you may need to block each one individually.

Additionally, you can also try replying with "STOP," "UNSUBSCRIBE," or "CANCEL" before blocking. This will usually opt you out of future communications from that sender or campaign. However, if they continue to send messages from different numbers, blocking may be a more effective solution.

Other Methods to Consider:

While blocking the number is a direct way to stop receiving texts, there are also other methods you can employ to reduce the influx of election-related messages:

• Filtering Unknown Senders: You can change your phone settings to filter out text messages from unknown senders. On iPhones, go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders. On Android, open the Messages app Settings > Spam protection > Enable spam protection.
• Using Call-Blocking Services: Consider using call-blocking services like Robokiller or NoMoRobo, which can help block both spam calls and text messages. These services actively work to identify and block unwanted communications.
• Contacting the Campaign: If all else fails, you can directly contact the political campaign and request to be removed from their contact list. Legitimate campaigns should honour such requests, and if they don't, you can report them to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Filtering out text messages from unknown numbers

If you use iMessage, you can prevent unknown senders from texting you directly. Their messages are filtered to another folder, and you don't get notified about them. To enable this, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. Scroll down to Message Filtering, then turn on Filter Unknown Senders. If you are missing a message, you can check to see if it was filtered to Unknown Senders by tapping Filters in the top-left corner of the conversation list and then tapping Unknown Senders.

You can also block individual numbers. First, open the Messages app and find the spam text message that you want to block. Then, long-press on the message. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the screen, and tap "Block". On the pop-up menu, check the "Report spam" box, and then tap "OK".

In addition to the built-in features on your phone, there are many third-party apps that can help you filter out spam messages. For example, AT&T's Call Protect app sends calls from people not in your address book to voicemail, and Verizon's Call Filter offers basic spam-blocking.

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Reporting spam texts by forwarding them to 7726

If you are tired of receiving spam texts, you can report them by forwarding them to 7726 (which spells "SPAM" on a phone keypad). This is a service provided by major mobile carriers to combat unwanted texts from questionable sources. It is important to note that this service is not just for political texts, but for any spam messages you may be receiving.

By forwarding the spam text to 7726, you are effectively reporting the sender and their phone number to your mobile carrier. This helps the carrier identify and track spammers, and they may then take action to block the sender from sending further messages. This is a more effective method than simply blocking the sender yourself, as it helps to reduce spam texts on a larger scale.

It is worth noting that this service is not a substitute for the National Do Not Call Registry, which is a separate service that allows you to register your phone number to reduce unwanted calls and texts. However, political campaign phone calls and texts are exempt from this list. Additionally, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) contains specific rules that political campaigns must follow regarding robocalls and robotexts.

To further reduce the number of spam texts you receive, you can change your phone settings to filter out all unknown senders. Additionally, be cautious about giving out your phone number and other personal information. If you receive a text that you believe is a scam, do not click on any links or provide any personal information.

Contacting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has outlined specific rules that political campaigns must follow regarding robocalls and robotexts. While campaign calls and texts are generally exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) stipulates that prior express consent is required for such communications to mobile devices.

If you believe you have received a political robocall or text that violates FCC rules, you can take the following steps to contact the FCC and file an informal complaint:

The FCC provides several options for individuals to contact them and file complaints:

• Online: Visit the FCC's website at fcc.gov/complaints to file an informal complaint. This option allows you to submit your complaint quickly and easily without having to write a physical letter.
• Mail: You can send your complaint by mail to the following address:

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

45 L Street NE

Washington, DC 20554

When sending your complaint by mail, be sure to include your name, address, contact information, and as many details about your complaint as possible.

Phone: The FCC also provides several phone numbers that you can call for further information or to resolve specific issues:

• Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau: 202-418-1400 or 888-225-5322
• Enforcement Bureau: 202-418-7450 or 888-225-5322
• Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau: 202-418-1300 or 888-225-5322

• In-Person: If you wish to visit an FCC facility, you can find information on their website about the facility security screening process and COVID-19 safety protocols for their headquarters and other facilities.
• Social Media: The FCC also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, including Disqus, Facebook, Flickr, GitHub, Instagram, Scribd, Twitter, and YouTube. You can reach out to them through these platforms to obtain further information or guidance.
• Reference Information Center (RIC): The RIC serves as the official Commission custodian for designated records. It provides a central location for the public to research and obtain information on applications, formal and informal proceedings, and FCC programs and activities. The RIC handles various types of record information and serves a diverse range of customers, including individual consumers.
• Bureaus and Offices: The FCC has multiple bureaus and offices dedicated to specific areas, such as the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, the Enforcement Bureau, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. These bureaus work to facilitate public participation, resolve complaints, develop policies, promote accessibility, and enforce the Communications Act and FCC rules.

Remember, if you receive unwanted political texts, you can reply with "STOP" to opt out. Additionally, blocking the number, adjusting your phone settings to filter unknown senders, and reporting suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) can help reduce the number of unwanted messages you receive.

Frequently asked questions