Omar Bennett
As the 2024 election approaches, Americans are experiencing a surge in text messages from political campaigns. This is because text messaging is a low-cost, high-engagement mode of communication that allows campaigns to deliver targeted messages, solicit donations, and provide updates. While it is annoying to receive incessant texts, there are ways to reduce them, such as replying STOP or blocking the number.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for receiving election texts | Political campaigns have increasingly turned to text messaging as a preferred mode of communication due to its relatively low cost and high engagement rates |
| Who is sending the texts? | Political campaigns, scammers |
| How do they get your number? | Voter data is publicly available for election purposes, extensive databases and digital tools |
| How to stop the texts? | Reply "STOP" or "unsubscribe", block the number, change phone settings to filter out unknown senders, report to FCC |
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What You'll Learn
Texting is a cheap and effective way to engage voters
Texting is also a cost-effective way to engage with unlikely voters. Traditionally, campaigns avoid contacting unlikely voters due to the high cost of doing so via door-to-door canvassing or phone banking. However, texting is so cheap that it is cost-effective to engage them. Texting is particularly effective for down-ballot candidates, who may have a smaller budget for outreach.
During an election season, it is likely there will be an increase in texts from political campaigns. While campaign calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) contains specific rules they must follow. In general, robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones require prior consent, and campaigns should honor opt-out requests.
Political campaigns can obtain phone numbers for texting through extensive databases and digital tools designed to gather and utilize voter contact information. This allows them to deliver targeted messages, solicit donations, and provide updates on campaign events. Texting is particularly effective for engaging younger voters, who are more likely to engage with texts than phone calls from unknown numbers.
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Political campaigns are exempt from the 'Do Not Call' list
Political campaigns are exempt from the Do Not Call list, which can be frustrating for people who are inundated with texts from politicians. This is because political campaigns are not considered an issue of commerce; they are not trying to sell you something, and therefore it is deemed a free speech issue.
During an election season, it is typical to see a rise in calls and texts from political campaigns. While these are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, there are rules outlined by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) that they must follow. For example, political campaigns need to have your prior consent to send text messages, unless they are typed manually by a real person. Robotexts – text messages generated through autodialing – are considered a type of call and must comply with the same rules as robocalls. In general, robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones require prior consent, while those made to landlines do not.
If you are receiving political texts that you didn't ask for, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 or "SPAM". Campaigns should also honor opt-out requests if you reply "STOP". You can also block the number, or go to your messages settings and filter out text messages from anyone not in your contact list.
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Scammers and malware are a concern
To avoid receiving unwanted texts, you can change your phone settings to filter out all unknown senders. You can also opt out of receiving texts from legitimate campaigns by replying "STOP". However, this will not stop all political texts, and your number may still be targeted by scammers. This is because political campaigns can obtain phone numbers through extensive databases and digital tools designed to gather voter contact information. As a result, even people who are not eligible to vote, such as 15-year-olds, may receive a high volume of election texts.
To reduce the number of unwanted texts, you can try to avoid providing your phone number to organisations that may share it with political campaigns. You can also contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to file an informal complaint if you believe you have received a political text that does not comply with FCC rules.
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How to stop election texts
Political campaigns have increasingly turned to text messaging as a preferred mode of communication because of the relatively low cost and high engagement rates. While there is no way to put a halt to all of them at once, there are steps that can be taken to slow them down.
Reply with "STOP"
The easiest method is to reply to the text with the word "STOP". That works if the sender is a legitimate business or organization required to comply with the law. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can fine them if they do not stop.
Block the number
After replying "STOP", you can then block the number. You can also go to your phone's "messages" settings and filter out text messages from anyone not in your contact list.
Report the sender
Report the sender by forwarding the text to 7726 or "SPAM". You can also click "Delete and Report Junk".
File a complaint
If you want to take things a step further than adjusting settings, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or FCC.
Don't click on any links
Some texts will include a link that contains malware or will take you to websites that are not actually affiliated with a campaign or a candidate. Your money will go to some scammer. So, never click on a link. If you want to donate, go directly to the candidate's official website.
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Why you might be receiving texts meant for someone else
As the November 2024 election approaches, Americans across the country are experiencing a surge in text messages from political campaigns. Political campaigns have increasingly turned to text messaging as a preferred mode of communication, surpassing traditional methods like mailers or phone calls because of the relatively low cost and high engagement rates.
However, you may also be receiving texts meant for someone else due to a variety of reasons. Here are some possible explanations:
Misdirected Text Scams:
This type of scam usually starts with a message that appears to be intended for someone else and is designed to create a sense of urgency, prompting the recipient to respond and inform the sender of the mistake. Scammers may then try to engage you in conversation, send malicious links, or ask for personal information or money. It's important not to respond to these messages, even if you intend to troll the sender, as it may put you at risk for future scams.
Shared Apple ID:
If you're using an iPhone, you may be receiving texts intended for someone else due to a shared Apple ID. iMessage allows users to send and receive texts across multiple Apple devices. If you share an Apple ID with a family member or partner, you may receive their messages on your device. To resolve this, each user should have their own Apple ID and use Family Sharing to connect the IDs.
Multiple Addresses or Phone Numbers:
In iMessages, you can receive texts from multiple email addresses or phone numbers associated with your Apple ID. If you've added additional addresses, you may be receiving texts intended for those addresses by mistake. To stop this, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, and uncheck the email or phone number you no longer want to receive messages from.
Text Message Forwarding:
Another reason could be that text message forwarding is enabled on your device. This feature allows you to receive texts on multiple devices. To disable this, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding, and toggle off the devices you don't want to receive texts on.
While receiving unwanted texts can be frustrating, it's important to remember that political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry. However, they must follow specific rules outlined by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and obtain prior consent for autodialed or prerecorded messages to mobile phones. If you wish to stop receiving political texts, you can reply "STOP" or "UNSUBSCRIBE" and block the number. Additionally, you can report spam or fraudulent texts by forwarding them to 7726.
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Frequently asked questions
Political campaigns have increasingly turned to text messaging as a preferred mode of communication, surpassing traditional methods like mailers or phone calls because of the relatively low cost and high engagement rates.
Legitimate text campaign operators should remove you from the list if you just reply "STOP". You can also block the number, or go to your phone settings and filter out text messages from anyone not in your contact list.
You can report it by forwarding the text to "7726", which spells out the word "SPAM". If the text includes a link that you think contains malware, do not click on it.
