Isabella Carter
Political campaigns have been increasingly using text messages to reach voters, and many people wonder how these campaigns have access to their phone numbers. In the United States, all states allow access to voter data for election purposes, which includes information such as political party affiliation, address, and phone number if provided. Additionally, data mining companies sell phone numbers to political parties, and signing up for information from a political party will also result in them retaining your number. While campaigns must obtain prior consent to send automated text messages to mobile phones, they are allowed to send such messages to landlines without consent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How political campaigns get phone numbers | They buy them from data-mining companies |
| Voter registration is a source of phone numbers for political campaigns | |
| People might sign up for information from a political party | |
| Rules for political campaign phone calls and texts | Political campaign calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements |
| Political robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones require prior consent | |
| Political robocalls to landlines are allowed without prior consent | |
| Campaigns should honor opt-out requests |
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What You'll Learn
- Data mining companies sell phone numbers to political campaigns
- Voter registration is a source of phone numbers for campaigns
- Political parties can subscribe to voter registration systems
- Campaigns use software to keep track of phone numbers
- Campaigns must follow FCC rules regarding robocalls and robotexts
Data mining companies sell phone numbers to political campaigns
Political campaigns rely on data about potential voters, including their phone numbers, to target them with ads and messages. This data is often gathered, used, and sold by data mining companies, who create detailed profiles on individuals. These profiles are then sold to political campaigns, who use them to target specific demographics and tailor their messaging accordingly.
Data brokers or political data brokers are companies that collect and sell personal data to political campaigns. They gather information from various sources, including public records, voting records, store purchases, online websites, online purchases, email lists, phone apps, and more. This data is then aggregated and used to build comprehensive dossiers on individuals. These dossiers include personal details such as interests, demographics, political ideology, and location data. For example, a voter analytics firm created a "Covid concern score" by analyzing cell phone location and ranking people based on their travel patterns during the pandemic.
Political campaigns are willing to pay a high price for this data, as it allows them to micro-target potential voters with tailored messages and ads. For instance, a campaign might use data to identify supporters of a particular party or candidate and send them targeted text messages or make automated calls. Campaigns also use software to keep track of all the numbers and conversations they have with voters.
While this practice may raise privacy concerns, individuals can take steps to protect their data. These include using a privacy blocker like Privacy Badger, disabling phone advertising IDs, and being cautious about providing personal information, especially phone numbers, to companies or campaigns. Additionally, individuals can opt to use a landline or work number instead of a personal cell phone number to prevent data mining and text spam.
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Voter registration is a source of phone numbers for campaigns
Voter registration is a key source of phone numbers for political campaigns. In the United States, federal laws like the National Voter Registration Act (Public Law 103-31) and the Help America Vote Act (Public Law 107-252) mandate that states maintain an up-to-date and accurate list of every legally registered voter. These voter registration lists are essential for protecting voters' rights and ensuring the integrity of the election process.
The Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the security of electronic systems used in voter registration and voting. They review and report on the security measures to prevent any malicious software or unauthorized intrusions that could compromise the system. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security is required to share database information with states to assist in maintaining accurate voter registration lists.
Political campaigns can leverage these voter registration lists to gain access to phone numbers of registered voters. This enables them to engage in targeted outreach through phone calls and text messages during election seasons. However, it is important to note that campaigns must comply with specific regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which governs the use of robocalls and robotexts.
While campaign communications are generally exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, prior express consent is typically required for autodialed or prerecorded voice calls, including autodialed texts, to mobile devices. On the other hand, political robocalls to landlines are usually permitted without prior consent, but there are limitations on the number of calls within a given period. Campaigns must also respect opt-out requests from recipients who no longer wish to receive such communications.
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Political parties can subscribe to voter registration systems
For example, in North Carolina, the state recognizes three political parties, and voters can choose to register with one of these parties or as unaffiliated. The North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) maintains a voter registration system that allows registered voters to use the Voter Search tool to confirm their party affiliation. Similarly, other states in the US likely have similar voter registration systems that political parties can access to obtain voters' phone numbers.
Political parties can also use voter registration systems to target specific groups of voters. For instance, during an open primary or caucus, individuals can vote for a candidate from any political party. In contrast, during a closed primary or caucus, only voters registered with a particular party can participate and vote for that party's candidates. Semi-open and semi-closed primaries and caucuses are variations of these two main types. By accessing voter registration systems, political parties can identify which voters are eligible to participate in their specific primary or caucus and target their outreach and campaigning efforts accordingly.
Additionally, voter registration systems can provide valuable insights into voter demographics and preferences. For example, political parties can analyze the party affiliation of registered voters to estimate their level of support in different areas. This information can guide their campaign strategies and resource allocation. Furthermore, by combining voter registration data with other sources of information, such as public records and consumer data, political parties can create detailed voter profiles and develop targeted messaging and outreach strategies.
In summary, political parties can leverage voter registration systems as a valuable tool for obtaining voters' phone numbers and other relevant information. By understanding the voter registration process, party affiliations, and primary election types, political parties can effectively utilize voter registration data to reach and engage potential supporters during their campaigns.
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Campaigns use software to keep track of phone numbers
Political campaigns use a variety of methods to obtain phone numbers, including purchasing them from data-mining companies or accessing voter data from state databases. This data often includes personal information such as political affiliation, address, and phone number. Voter registration forms are another source of phone numbers for campaigns, as individuals may voluntarily provide their contact information.
Once campaigns have acquired these phone numbers, they utilize software to efficiently manage and organize this data. This software enables them to keep track of numerous phone numbers and facilitate text message conversations with potential voters. For instance, Bernie Sanders' campaign reportedly employed 12,000 individuals to text voters, utilizing software to maintain a record of all interactions.
The use of such software ensures that campaigns can effectively engage with a large number of individuals in a structured and organized manner. It allows them to systematically send, receive, and respond to text messages, creating a personalized and interactive experience for each voter. This technology is particularly valuable during election seasons, when campaigns intensify their efforts to reach and influence voters.
While the use of phone numbers in political campaigns can be a powerful tool, it is important to note that campaigns must adhere to specific regulations, such as obtaining prior express consent for autodialed or prerecorded calls and texts to mobile phones, as outlined by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Individuals who wish to stop receiving political texts or calls can reply with "unsubscribe" or "stop," and campaigns are expected to honor these requests.
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Campaigns must follow FCC rules regarding robocalls and robotexts
During an election season, there is usually an increase in calls and texts from political campaigns. While these are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) contains specific rules that campaigns must follow.
Political campaigns are permitted to make robocalls to landlines without prior consent, but these are limited to no more than three calls within any consecutive 30-day period. However, robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones require prior express consent. This includes autodialed or prerecorded voice calls, autodialed texts, and prerecorded voice messages to cell phones, pagers, or other mobile devices. The same restrictions apply to protected phone lines, such as emergency or toll-free lines, or lines serving hospitals or similar facilities.
For calls and texts that require consent, the campaign must honor the called party's request to revoke consent. The recipient can revoke consent at any time and in any reasonable manner, such as replying "STOP" to a text or asking not to be called again on a voice call. If a person is receiving unwanted texts, they can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 ("SPAM") or blocking the number through their mobile service provider.
Additionally, artificial or rerecorded voice messages must include certain identification information. The identity of the individual or entity initiating the call must be clearly stated at the beginning of the message, along with the telephone number of the calling party, either during or after the message. If the calling party is a corporate entity, its official business name must be stated clearly at the beginning of the message.
If someone believes they have received a political robocall or text that does not comply with the FCC's rules, they can file an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints. This can be done online or by mail, including the person's name, address, contact information, and as much detail about the complaint as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
They likely paid for it. Data mining companies sell phone numbers to political parties, and voter registration is one source they use for that. All states allow access to voter data, including phone numbers. It’s also possible that you signed up for information from a political party and they kept your number.
Voter Registration forms usually ask for your phone number, but it is typically optional. However, they may not always disclose that this information could be used by campaigns.
Yes, campaigns are required to get prior express consent from the recipient to send automated text messages to mobile phones. However, this does not apply to manual messages or calls to landlines.
You can opt out of receiving text messages by replying "STOP" or "unsubscribe". Campaigns are required to honor these requests. You can also choose not to share your phone number on registration forms.
If you are receiving text messages or calls that do not comply with the rules set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), you can file an informal complaint at fcc.gov/complaints.
