Political Phone Calls: Why Am I Getting These?

If you've been getting a lot of political phone calls, you're not alone. Political campaigns use phone calls and texts to interact with voters and gather opinions from citizens. While these communications are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, there are still rules in place to protect consumers from unwanted calls and texts. For example, political campaigns must obtain your consent to send automated messages to your mobile phone. If you're receiving these messages without your consent, there are steps you can take to limit them, and you can even file a complaint with the FCC.

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Political calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry

During an election season, it is typical to experience an increase in calls and texts from political campaigns. While these calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, they must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The TCPA outlines specific rules that political campaigns must follow when contacting individuals.

For instance, political campaigns are generally required to obtain prior consent from the recipient before sending robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones. This consent can be revoked at any time by the recipient, and the campaign must honour this request. Additionally, political campaigns are limited to no more than three robocalls to a residential landline phone within any consecutive 30-day period without prior consent.

Political campaign-related autodialed or prerecorded voice calls, including autodialed live calls, autodialed texts, and prerecorded voice messages, are prohibited to cell phones, pagers, or other mobile devices without the recipient's prior express consent. The same restrictions apply to protected phone lines, such as emergency or toll-free lines, or lines serving hospitals or similar facilities.

If you are receiving unwanted political calls or texts, you can take several steps to stop them. Firstly, you can reply "STOP" to the message or verbally request to not receive any further communication. If the unwanted communication persists, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 (or "SPAM"). Additionally, you can file an informal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov/complaints. You can also contact your phone service provider to inquire about call-blocking services or apps that can help prevent unwanted calls.

Political campaigns use calls to identify supporters and undecided voters

Political campaigns use phone calls to identify supporters and undecided voters. This strategy is known as deep canvassing, which involves engaging in meaningful conversations to understand the personal and emotional aspects that influence political behaviour. These calls provide a direct line to the public, allowing campaigners to explore voters' thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.

During election campaigns, candidates can survey electorates via phone calls to determine their level of support. For example, Mayor Stephanie Miner of Syracuse, New York, utilised phone calls to identify her supporters and undecided voters. Through these conversations, she found that 68.24% of her targeted individuals supported her, while 25% were undecided. This valuable information guided her team's efforts in targeting and swaying the support of undecided voters.

Political campaigns often employ autodialed or prerecorded voice calls, including autodialed live calls, autodialed texts, and prerecorded voice messages. However, sending such communications to mobile phones requires the recipient's prior express consent. On the other hand, political campaign-related autodialed or prerecorded voice calls are generally permitted for landline telephones without the need for prior consent, but there are exceptions.

To enhance the effectiveness of their calls, political campaigns use verified numbers to increase the likelihood of bypassing carrier filters and successfully reaching recipients. Additionally, they combine registered numbers with Shaken/Stir technology and clearly identify themselves to strengthen their credibility. Providing clear information about the purpose and process of the call, as well as ensuring privacy protection, further bolsters the impact of these calls.

While political calls can be a nuisance, there are ways to limit their frequency. Individuals can be cautious when providing their phone numbers online and pay attention to text message opt-ins. Additionally, replying "STOP" to a text or requesting to not be called again should result in campaigns honouring opt-out requests. If improper political texts or calls are received, complaints can be filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Political robocalls to landlines do not require prior consent, but there is a limit of three calls within a 30-day period

Political calls are a common occurrence during election season. Campaigns employ various strategies, including phone calls, to engage with voters and solicit support. While these calls can be informative and provide a direct line to the public, they may also be considered a nuisance, especially when received frequently or without prior consent.

It is important to note that different rules apply to political robocalls and manual calls. Robocalls are automated or prerecorded voice calls, often generated using autodialers, while manual calls are typically made by individuals directly dialing the number. The regulations governing these calls depend on the type of phone being contacted, such as a mobile phone or landline.

For robocalls to mobile phones, prior express consent from the recipient is generally required. This means that political campaigns need to obtain your permission before sending automated calls or text messages to your cell phone. However, there are exceptions for certain types of calls, such as emergency notifications.

On the other hand, political robocalls to landlines do not require prior consent. This means that campaigns are permitted to make automated or prerecorded calls to residential landlines without first getting your permission. However, there is a limit to the number of these calls that can be made. Specifically, no more than three political robocalls without prior consent may be made to the same landline within any consecutive 30-day period.

If you are receiving an excessive number of political calls or feel that your privacy is being invaded, there are steps you can take to mitigate this issue. You can start by identifying whether the calls are robocalls or manual calls, as different regulations apply. Additionally, you can register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which will reduce the number of marketing and sales calls you receive. You also have the right to revoke consent for robocalls at any time, and campaigns are required to honor your request. If you continue to receive unwanted political calls, you can file an informal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which takes consumer complaints about illegal and unwanted calls seriously and uses them to inform policy decisions.

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Political organizations can send manual texts without prior consent

Additionally, political organizations must follow certain identification requirements. For example, if the calling party is a corporate entity, they must clearly state their official business name at the beginning of the message. They must also provide their telephone number during or after the message.

It is important to note that while political organizations can send manual texts without prior consent, they are prohibited from sending automated texts or making automated or prerecorded voice calls to mobile phones without the called party's prior express consent. This is because automated texts and calls are considered more invasive and are therefore subject to stricter regulations.

The increase in political texts in recent years can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced campaigns to pivot from in-person events to digital alternatives. Texting is a cost-effective way to engage with voters, and it is likely that this trend will continue in future elections.

You can file an informal complaint with the FCC if you receive a political robocall or text that does not comply with the FCC's rules

During an election season, it is common to experience an increase in calls and texts from political campaigns. While these calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, they must still adhere to specific rules outlined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). In most cases, prior consent is required for robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones. However, political robocalls to landlines are generally permitted without prior consent, with a limit of three calls per 30-day period.

If you are receiving unwanted political robocalls or texts, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. Firstly, you can opt out of receiving further communications by replying "STOP" or revoking your consent in any reasonable manner. Additionally, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 or "SPAM".

If you believe you have received a political robocall or text that violates the FCC's rules, you have the option to file an informal complaint with the FCC. This can be done by visiting fcc.gov/complaints, where you can submit your complaint online, which is the quickest and most effective method. Alternatively, you can file a complaint by phone at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) or via an ASL Video Call at 1-844-432-2275. If you prefer to submit your complaint by mail, you can send it to the following address:

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

45 L Street NE

Washington, DC 20554

When filing a complaint by mail, be sure to include your name, address, contact information, and as many details about your complaint as possible. It is important to note that the FCC may not have the authority to resolve individual complaints directly. However, they use this information to inform policy decisions and take potential enforcement actions against callers violating their rules.

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