Politics

Election Spam Texts Flood Voters' Phones

Kenneth Metral

Kenneth Metral

— 2 min read
Election Spam Texts Flood Voters' Phones
Image Credit: Giorgia Ascolani/The Washington Post

As election seasons intensify, many individuals find themselves inundated with political text messages, often leading to frustration and concerns about privacy. These messages, while a common campaign strategy, can be managed through several effective methods.

Understanding Political Text Messages

Political campaigns utilize text messaging to engage voters, solicit donations, and disseminate information. These messages are typically sent using autodialing systems, which require prior consent from the recipient. However, manually sent messages do not require such consent, leading to an increase in unsolicited texts.

Strategies to Stop Unwanted Political Texts

  1. Reply with "STOP": Responding to the message with "STOP" should, in most cases, halt further communications from that sender. Legitimate campaigns are obligated to honor opt-out requests.
  2. Report as Spam: Forward the unwanted text to 7726 (SPAM). This action notifies your mobile carrier, aiding in the identification and blocking of spam messages.
  3. Block the Sender: Utilize your phone's features to block the number. On iPhones, tap the sender's icon in the message thread, select "Info," and then tap "Block Caller." Android users can press and hold the message, select "Block," and confirm.
  4. Filter Unknown Senders: Adjust your phone settings to filter messages from unknown numbers into a separate folder. On iPhones, go to "Settings," tap "Messages," and enable "Filter Unknown Senders." Android settings may vary; consult your device's user manual for specific instructions.
  5. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: While political messages are generally exempt, registering can reduce other types of unsolicited communications.

Preventive Measures

  • Be Cautious with Your Number: Avoid sharing your phone number on public platforms or with organizations that may share your information.
  • Review Privacy Policies: Before providing your number, understand how it will be used and whether it may be shared with third parties.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates political text messaging. Campaigns must adhere to specific rules, especially regarding autodialed messages to mobile phones, which require prior consent. If you believe a campaign has violated these rules, you can file a complaint with the FCC.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted political text messages and regain control over your mobile communications.

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