Political Texting 101: How It Works and Why It Matters

If you’ve received a text from a political campaign lately, you’re not alone. 

Political texting — also known as campaign texting or SMS voter outreach — is one of the most common, though sometimes confusing, ways candidates and organizations communicate with voters. Whether you're wondering why you're getting these messages, how to stop them, or how to use texting as a campaign tool, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

We'll explore how political texting works, who’s sending these messages, how voter phone numbers are collected, and how both candidates and voters can make the most of this powerful communication tool.

What Is Political Texting?

Political texting refers to the use of SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) by campaigns, advocacy groups, or political organizations to reach voters. These messages are direct, often personalized, and designed to prompt quick action.

You might get a political text that:

• Reminds you about voter registration deadlines

• Shares your polling place location or voting hours

• Invites you to a town hall, rally, or community forum

• Promotes a candidate’s platform or latest debate performance

• Asks you to sign a petition or support a specific policy

• Encourages you to join a phone bank or canvassing event

• Provides a link to donate to a campaign or cause

• Surveys you about your political opinions or top issues

Some texts are sent using peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms, where volunteers send and reply to texts, allowing for two-way conversations. Others are automated mass messages, which may or may not allow room for responses.

Who Sends Political Texts?

You might receive political texts from:

• Independent and party-affiliated candidates

• Advocacy organizations and issue-based PACs

• Political parties

• Get-out-the-vote (GOTV) campaigns

• Civic engagement nonprofits

• Volunteers working for any of the above

Their motivations vary. Some are trying to increase voter turnout. Others want to influence your opinion on a ballot initiative. Many are hoping to raise funds or recruit volunteers.

Even small, grassroots campaigns are now using political campaign software and texting platforms, especially if they don’t have the budget for expensive TV or digital ads.

LEARN MORE: Maximize your reach with our picks for the best P2P texting platforms. 

Why Do Campaigns Send Political Texts?

Texting is fast, direct, and hard to ignore. Research shows that texts have a higher open rate than emails, with some studies showing an open rate as high as 98%. Additionally, the percentage of the population that uses smartphones is expected to increase to 77% by 2025. For campaigns trying to energize voters, raise funds, or get out the vote, that kind of visibility is invaluable.

Campaigns use political texting to:

• Start conversations, especially through peer-to-peer texting tools that allow volunteers to answer questions or provide help in real time.

• Prompt specific actions, like registering to vote, donating, or attending a campaign event.

• Reinforce key messages, such as what the candidate stands for or where they differ from an opponent.

• Nudge likely supporters with personalized reminders at critical moments, such as early voting or election day.

• Gather insights from the community through surveys, polls, or feedback requests.

Texting isn’t just about blasting updates. It’s a crucial tool for building relationships and guiding voters from awareness to action. In close races or low-turnout elections, even a 1-2% boost in turnout from texting can tip the scales.

LEARN MORE: Get your supporters to the polls with these 10 tactics to boost turnout. 

How Do Campaigns Get My Phone Number?

If you're surprised to be getting political texts, you’re not the only one. There are several ways campaigns can legally obtain or access your phone number, even if you don’t remember signing up for anything.

Here’s how they may have gotten your number:

• Voter Registration Records: In many states, phone numbers are part of the public voter file. Depending on your state, campaigns can access or purchase the voter file from their local or state election offices. Commercial vendors and political parties also sometimes provide access to voter data.

• Petitions or Donation Forms: If you signed something or gave to a cause, your number may have been shared.

• Surveys or Event RSVPs: If you registered for an event or filled out a political survey, you might’ve opted into updates. If this is the case, you can most likely unsubscribe if you’d like.

• Data Brokers: Some campaigns buy phone numbers from third-party vendors who compile information from apps, websites, or commercial records.

If you’ve ever engaged with a political campaign, nonprofit, or advocacy cause, even years ago, your contact info may have been collected, stored, or shared across platforms.

How Should I Respond to Political Texts?

That unexpected buzz from a political campaign might feel intrusive or intriguing. Either way, you’ve got choices.

Here’s what you can do when a political text lands in your inbox:

If you’re interested:

• Reply with a question: Many texts (especially peer-to-peer ones) come from real people. You can ask about the candidate’s positions, how to register, or where to vote.

• Join the cause: Texts often include links to donate, volunteer, or attend an event. If the message aligns with your values, it’s an easy entry point to get involved.

• Share with a friend: Forward the message or send the link to someone in your circle who might be undecided or less politically engaged.

If you’re not interested:

• Text “STOP” to unsubscribe: Legitimate campaigns are required to honor opt-out requests, especially on platforms following compliance best practices.

• Block the number: If the texts keep coming or feel spammy, you can choose to block the number to stop receiving messages.

• Avoid replying with profanity or sarcasm: It might not stop future texts and may even confuse automated systems into keeping you on the list.

If you’re unsure:

• Take a second to research: You can Google the candidate, check out their platform, or visit a nonpartisan site like GoodParty.org, BallotReady, or Vote411.

• Don’t feel pressured to respond immediately: Political texts are just one tool campaigns use, but you decide how (or if) you want to engage.

Ultimately, if the message seems suspicious or deceptive, report it to your state’s election office or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Texting has become a common part of the political conversation, but how you participate is always up to you.

The Role of Texting in Voter Mobilization

When used effectively, political texting can boost turnout, increase civic knowledge, and create a more engaged electorate. Whether it’s reminding someone to vote early, helping them find their polling place, or answering last-minute questions about voter ID laws, a well-timed text can make the difference between sitting out and showing up. 

Texting is both personal and scalable: two things that grassroots, Independent, and third-party campaigns can leverage to spark change in their communities. 

Campaigns often text voters during:

• Voter registration deadlines

• Early voting windows

• Absentee ballot deadlines

• Election day get-out-the-vote (GOTV) pushes

• Special elections or ballot initiative campaigns

• Last-minute changes to polling places or rules

Texting also supports volunteer coordination, event turnout, and even ride-to-the-polls efforts, all of which can increase participation across your community.

LEARN MORE: Turn supporters into voters with our guide to the vote phase of a campaign.

8 Best Practices for Candidates Using Political Texting

If you’re a candidate or campaign staffer, texting can be a game-changer, but only when done right. 

Here are some best practices:

#1: Personalize Whenever You Can

Use the recipient’s name, reference their city or district, and tailor messages to what matters locally. Generic blasts feel like spam. Personalized messages feel like conversations.

#2: Make Your Call to Action Clear

Every text should have one simple, specific ask. Want them to RSVP? Register? Donate? Keep it short and direct, with an easy link or reply option.

#3: Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast

If you're using peer-to-peer (P2P) texting, be ready to answer follow-up questions or continue the conversation. It’s a two-way channel, not a megaphone.

#4: Time It Right

Avoid texting too early in the morning or late at night. 

#5: Add Some Flair

Many platforms allow you to send MMS messages at scale, and some even let you send personalized videos to voters. Adding a photo or video to your message is a great way to increase engagement, especially for voters who might just glance at your text and then move on. Plus, putting a face to a name can help voters feel more invested in your campaign.

#6: Prioritize Your Supporters

Whenever possible, text people who have opted in through a form, petition, or past interaction. Texting people from voter file information is crucial, but include the people who’ve reached out or interacted with your campaign in your outreach, too.

#7: Honor Opt-Outs

If someone texts “STOP,” remove them promptly. Continuing to message people who opted out is annoying, but it can also hurt your campaign’s reputation and trigger compliance issues.

#8: Stay Compliant with Regulations

Familiarize yourself with TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) rules and platform-specific guidelines. Even well-intentioned campaigns can run into trouble without a basic compliance plan.

LEARN MORE: Need more campaign texting tips? Explore our guide to SMS marketing for political candidates.

Political Texting: A Tool with Power and Responsibility

Political texting is here to stay. It’s fast, personal, and cost-effective, so it’s a clear favorite for everyone from presidential candidates to grassroots organizers. But with that power comes responsibility.

For voters, that means knowing your rights and how to engage (or disengage) when needed.

For campaigns, it means using texting ethically, effectively, and with respect for the people on the other end.

At GoodParty.org, we believe in building a better political system from the ground up. That means giving everyday people the tools to run, organize, and win without selling out or playing by the broken rules of the two-party system.

Photo by Good Faces on Unsplash