Why Am I Getting Political Text Messages?

Political campaigns get phone numbers from several sources: voter registration rolls, donor lists, party databases, and data brokers who sell contact information. If you've registered to vote, donated to a campaign, or signed a petition, your number is likely on one or more of these lists — and lists are often shared or sold between campaigns and groups.

Campaigns text most aggressively in the weeks before an election because that's when voter contact has the biggest impact. You might get zero political texts for months, then dozens per week as election day approaches. The volume usually drops sharply after the election, though some groups continue texting about issues and fundraising year-round.

Sometimes you end up on a list without meaning to. Signing a petition, attending a campaign event, RSVPing to a rally, or even checking a box on a website can add your number to a campaign's database. Once you're on a list, it can be shared with other campaigns and groups — which is why you might hear from organizations you've never heard of.

Reply STOP to unwanted political texts — most legitimate senders must honor opt-out requests. Don't click links in messages you didn't expect. If texts continue after you've opted out, document each one with the sender and date. CivicShield helps you track repeat contacts on a timeline so you can see the pattern and take action.