Simone Lawson
Political campaigns can be a nuisance, especially when they result in an endless stream of junk mail and emails. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several ways to reduce the influx of political correspondence. This includes contacting political organizations directly, unsubscribing from emails, opting out of data broker databases, and adjusting email settings to filter spam.
How to get off political mailing lists
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Opting out of data-broker databases | Opting out of data-broker databases individually or using a professional data-removal service like DeleteMe |
| Contacting the sender | Requesting to be removed from the mailing list via email, phone, or in person |
| Using third-party tools | Using third-party tools like Unroll to unsubscribe from multiple lists |
| Adjusting email settings | Reducing spam or promotional emails |
| Creating custom filters | Setting up rules to automatically delete emails containing specific keywords |
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What You'll Learn
Opt out of data-broker databases
Opting out of data-broker databases can be a complex and time-consuming process. Data brokering is a billion-dollar industry, with an estimated 4,000 data broker companies in operation globally. These companies collect and sell personal information, such as your religious beliefs, political affiliations, income, and credit rating, to various organisations, including political groups.
To opt out of data-broker databases, you will need to identify the data brokers that hold your information and then follow their specific opt-out processes. This typically involves creating an account with each data broker, which may require you to provide personal details and even a photo of your driver's license. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is often necessary to opt out. Some of the major data brokers to look out for include Acxiom, Experian, Epsilon, Spokeo, Whitepages, Intelius, Oracle, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Once you have created an account, you will need to locate and study the opt-out process for each data broker, as these vary. Some may have checkboxes, while others use opt-out forms, letter requirements, or multi-stage processes. You may also need to verify your identity during this process, which could involve email verification or providing photo identification. It is important to note that some data brokers may only suppress your information, rather than deleting it entirely.
After submitting your opt-out request, make sure to follow up and confirm that your request has been processed. Research has shown that only a small percentage of people who submit opt-out requests receive confirmation that their data will not be sold in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant and repeat the opt-out process if necessary.
Additionally, consider using third-party opt-out services, such as DeleteMe or Onerep, which can automate the process and save you time. These services scan multiple data broker sites, submit opt-out requests on your behalf, and monitor your personal information for ongoing protection.
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Contact political organisations directly
If you're tired of receiving endless political mailers and emails, you can take control and significantly reduce this unwanted correspondence by contacting political organisations directly.
Political organisations collect personal information on local voters through various methods, including state voter files, newsletters, donations, other political campaigns, and data brokers. They use this information to target you with campaign materials. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to stop all political mail, contacting the senders directly is an important step.
First, identify the specific political organisations sending you mail. This could be a particular political party, a candidate's campaign, or a super PAC. Once you know the source, you can take direct action by contacting them through various means, such as:
- Calling them: Many organisations provide a contact number on their physical mailers or websites. Give them a call and politely request to be removed from their mailing list.
- Sending a letter: If you prefer a more traditional approach, send a letter via postal mail to the organisation's campaign office or listed address.
- Emailing them: Look for a contact email address on their website or within the emails they send you. Send a polite request to be removed from their mailing list.
- Visiting in person: If the organisation has a physical office nearby, you can pay them a visit and ask to be taken off their mailing list.
Most organisations will respect your wishes and stop sending you mail. However, it's important to note that you may need to contact multiple organisations individually, as political mail often comes from various sources.
Additionally, you can take preventive measures by opting out of data-broker databases. Data brokers sell your personal information to political organisations, so removing yourself from their sites can be effective in reducing political mail. You can opt out of each data broker site individually or use a professional data-removal service like DeleteMe, which can remove your information from 500+ sites.
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Create custom email filters
Most email services allow you to create custom filters to automatically delete or sort emails containing specific keywords, such as the names of politicians or political parties. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating custom email filters:
Step 1: Access your email settings
Open your email provider's website or application and locate the settings or options menu. This is usually found by clicking on your profile icon or accessing the menu bar.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Filters" or "Rules" section
Within the settings menu, look for a section labelled "Filters", "Rules", or "Email Rules". This is where you will be able to create and manage your custom filters.
Step 3: Create a new filter
Click on the option to "Add", "Create", or "New Filter". This will open a new window or page where you can set up your custom filter.
Step 4: Define the filter criteria
In this step, you will specify the conditions that will trigger the filter. For political mailing lists, you can use keywords related to politics, such as the names of politicians, political parties, or specific terms like "vote" or "campaign". You can also specify the sender's email address or domain if you want to target emails from a particular source.
Step 5: Choose the filter action
After defining the filter criteria, select the action you want the filter to take when an email meets the specified conditions. You can choose to automatically delete these emails, mark them as spam, move them to a specific folder, or apply a label.
Step 6: Save and apply the filter
Once you have configured the filter to your liking, click "Save", "Create", or "Apply". The filter will now be active, and any new emails that match the criteria will be automatically processed according to the action you selected.
It is important to note that you may need to create multiple filters to cover different senders or variations of political keywords. Additionally, remember to periodically review and adjust your filters to ensure they remain effective, as new political campaigns or senders may emerge over time.
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Use third-party tools
To stop receiving political mail, you can use third-party tools such as those offered by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA). Registering at their website, DMAchoice.org, allows you to customize your mail preferences and choose the type of direct mail you receive. While this won't stop all promotional mail, it will help reduce the amount of unwanted correspondence. DMAchoice is run by the Data and Marketing Association, a non-profit organization. There is a $6 processing fee for this service, and your registration will be valid for 10 years.
Another third-party tool you can use is DeleteMe, a professional data-removal service. This service will remove your details from 500+ data-broker sites, protecting your information from being sold to politicians and telemarketers. This is a comprehensive solution that will not only stop political mail but also prevent other junk mail, phone scams, and protect your digital privacy.
If you are specifically looking to stop political text messages, there are several third-party tools available. Bouncer and ActiveArmor are examples of text filtering apps that can be used to block unwanted messages. Alternatively, you can use a throwaway email address and phone number to sign up for political donations, reducing the risk of spam.
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Adjust email settings
Adjusting your email settings can help reduce the number of political emails you receive. Here are some ways to do this:
Create Custom Filters
Most email services allow you to create custom filters to automatically delete or sort emails containing specific keywords, such as the names of politicians or political parties, into a separate folder. This helps keep your main inbox cleaner and less cluttered.
Contact the Sender Directly
If the unsubscribe link within the email is not working, try reaching out to the sender directly. Political emails often include a contact email, or you can find one on their website. Politely request to be removed from their mailing list.
Utilize Third-Party Tools
Third-party tools, such as Unroll, can help you manage your email subscriptions. These tools allow you to see all your subscriptions in one place and unsubscribe from multiple lists easily.
Explore Email Settings
Email providers often have settings to reduce spam or promotional emails. These features can automatically sort emails into different categories, ensuring your main inbox remains less cluttered.
While these measures can significantly reduce unwanted political emails, they may not block them entirely. It is often a continuous process of adjusting filters and settings as new emails find their way into your inbox.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some steps you can take to reduce the number of political emails you receive:
- Create custom filters/rules: Most email services allow you to set up rules to automatically delete emails containing specific keywords, such as the names of politicians or political parties.
- Contact the sender: If the unsubscribe link isn't working, reach out directly via email or the contact form on their website and request removal from their mailing list.
- Utilize third-party tools: Use third-party tools like Unroll to manage and unsubscribe from multiple email lists at once.
- Adjust email settings: Explore your email provider's settings to reduce spam or promotional emails.
To stop receiving physical mail from political campaigns, you can:
- Contact the campaign office: Reach out to the campaign office via phone, email, or mail, and request to be removed from their solicitation lists.
- Opt out of data brokers: Political organizations often obtain your information from data brokers. You can opt out of data-broker databases to prevent your information from being sold to politicians.
- Visit the campaign website: Go to the campaign website and look for an option to unsubscribe or be removed from their mailing list.
Political organizations collect personal information on local voters through various methods, including state voter files, newsletters, donations, other political campaigns, and data brokers. They use this data to target individuals based on their voting status, ZIP code, and other demographic factors.
To protect your personal information:
- Be cautious when providing your phone number or other contact details.
- Opt out of newsletters and marketing communications from political organizations.
- Review your privacy settings on social media and other online platforms to limit the data shared with third parties.
