Political Campaigns: How They Get Your Number

Political campaigns have been using text messaging as a marketing strategy to reach potential voters. Text messages have a 98% open rate and a 6% response rate, making them an effective way to disseminate information. Campaigns collect phone numbers through voter registration, petitions, surveys, and polls. They also purchase data from third-party data brokers, who gather information from various sources, including smartphone data and public records. While campaigns are not allowed to use auto-dialing technology, they can send manual text messages without prior consent.

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Voter registration

In addition to voter registration, other sources of information include public records, petitions, and data brokers. Political campaigns can access public records to gather information on potential voters. For example, signing a petition can result in your information being used for targeted political ads. Data brokers also play a significant role in providing campaigns with detailed information on voters, including cell phone numbers, demographics, and political ideologies.

The use of text messaging as a marketing tool has become increasingly prevalent in political campaigns due to its high read and response rate compared to other forms of communication. Campaigns use peer-to-peer companies and specialized software to send text messages to potential voters at a rapid pace while complying with regulations that prohibit the use of auto-dialing technology.

To reduce the number of unsolicited text messages, individuals can take steps such as using a "`burner number'" for non-personal communications, opting out of data-sharing in app settings, and utilizing the "Right to Opt Out" option offered by streaming services.

Public records

Political campaigns use public records to access data about potential voters, including who they are, where they are, and how to reach them. This data is an extremely valuable commodity during an election year.

In the United States, political parties and campaigns have access to voter registration records, which are maintained by state and local governments and are considered public information. These records commonly include voters' phone numbers, addresses, political party affiliations, and other demographic details. Campaigns can purchase this voter information from most states, and it provides a rough idea of whether a person will vote and who they might vote for.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) also makes a wide range of federal campaign finance reports and other documents available for public review and inspection. The FEC has information on file from candidates and committees, as well as information about Commission activity.

In addition to accessing public records, political campaigns also utilize data brokers who specialize in collecting and selling consumer data, including voter information. These brokers compile vast databases that aggregate publicly available data, such as voter registration lists, consumer purchases, and social media activity, to create detailed voter profiles that can be used to target specific demographics.

While this data collection can be useful for campaigns, it is important to note that individuals can take steps to protect their privacy, such as opting out of the sale of their information through certain websites and streaming services or by not clicking on links in political text messages.

Data brokers

Data brokering is a lucrative industry, with companies bringing in hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Some of the largest data brokerage companies include Epsilon, Acxiom, Experian, Oracle, and LexisNexis. These companies have access to massive databases with details about millions of individuals, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviour.

In the context of political campaigns, data brokers may be one of the sources of phone numbers used for targeted texting campaigns. While political campaigns may obtain phone numbers directly from voter registration records or other public sources, data brokers provide an additional avenue for acquiring this information, along with other personal details that can be used for targeted marketing.

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Social media apps

Political campaigns have been quick to recognize the value of social media in reaching potential voters. They tap into intrusive adtech tracking systems, leveraging extensive databases and digital tools to gather and utilize voter contact information, including phone numbers. This allows them to create detailed voter profiles and target specific demographics with tailored messages.

Voter registration records, maintained by state and local governments, are a common source of phone numbers for political campaigns. These records are considered public information and include demographic details such as political party affiliation and address. Additionally, campaigns may utilize data brokers who specialize in collecting and selling consumer data, including voter information. These brokers aggregate publicly available data, such as voter registration lists, consumer purchases, and social media activity, to build comprehensive profiles.

Furthermore, campaigns may acquire phone numbers through other means, such as when individuals sign up for updates or information from a political party or candidate. Social media platforms themselves also play a role, as they allow behavioral advertising, enabling campaigns to target specific audiences based on their online behavior and interests.

While social media has provided opportunities for newcomers to gain momentum and connect directly with constituents, it has also raised concerns about data privacy. Individuals are advised to regularly review their privacy settings on social media platforms, opt out of behavioral advertising when possible, and be cautious when signing up for updates to avoid unintentionally sharing their information with political campaigns.

'Terms of service' agreements

When you sign up for a service, you are often required to agree to a set of terms and conditions, or terms of service agreements. These agreements are legally binding and outline the rights and responsibilities of both the user and the service provider. While many people tend to skim through or ignore these agreements, they often contain important information about how your data, including your phone number, will be used and shared.

In the context of political campaigns, your phone number can be obtained through various means, some of which are related to terms of service agreements. For instance, if you have participated in a political campaign, donated to one using your smartphone, signed electronic petitions, or taken part in surveys or polls, you likely provided your number directly. Additionally, when you enrol to vote, you provide personal information such as your phone number, which can then be accessed by members of parliament, registered political parties, and candidates under the Electoral Act. This information forms the basis of large databases used for targeted campaigning through phone calls, texting, and "robocalls".

Moreover, terms of service agreements of other companies you interact with can also lead to political campaigns obtaining your number. Many companies and apps include clauses in their terms of service that allow them to share user data with third parties. This means that any number of businesses you interact with could be sharing your phone number with political campaigns, especially if you agreed to share your data without realising it. Social media apps are particularly notable sources of data sharing, and free apps are more likely to engage in this practice.

To protect your data and reduce unwanted contact from political campaigns, it is important to carefully read and understand the terms of service agreements of the companies and apps you use. Look for sections pertaining to data sharing and privacy, and adjust the settings to limit data sharing where possible. Additionally, you can use services like Google Voice to obtain a "burner number" for non-personal communications, shielding your real number from being as easily accessible.

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