If you're tired of receiving unwanted political text messages, you're not alone. According to the Federal Election Commission, you have the right to opt-out of these messages.
To stop receiving these messages, you can start by checking your phone's settings, specifically the "spam" or "messaging" section, where you can report unwanted messages. Many phones also offer a "block number" feature that can be used to block the sender's number.
The National Do Not Call Registry has also extended its protections to include political text messages. You can add your number to the registry to reduce unwanted calls and texts.
For another approach, see: Do Not Call Registry Text Messages
Stopping Political Texts
Replying to a political text with a single word: Stop, can get you removed from their list, but it only applies to that phone number and sender.
You can report senders by forwarding texts to 7726 or SPAM, which can lead to fines if they don't comply with the law.
Replying to a text with Stop may not be enough, as you can still get texts from related organizations, like the Progressive Turnout Project and its initiative, Progressive Takeover.
Message recipients can also report the sender by clicking "Delete and Report Junk" and blocking the sender.
Your phone's built-in spam filter can help slow down political texts, but it may not eliminate them entirely.
On a similar theme: How to Report Harassing Text Messages
Options for Stopping Texts
Replying to a text with a single word, "STOP", can help you opt out of future messages from that sender. This is a required action by federal law, and the sender must comply or face fines from the Federal Communications Commission.
However, this method only works for that specific sender and phone number, and you may still receive messages from other groups or campaigns using the same data.
You can also report the sender by forwarding the text to 7726 or SPAM, or by clicking "Delete and Report Junk" and blocking the sender.
Consider reading: Delete and Report Junk Text Messages
Reply 'Stop'
Replying to a text with "STOP" can be an effective way to stop receiving unwanted texts. Federal regulations require legitimate political campaigns to honor these requests and remove your number from their messaging lists upon request.
This method works if the sender is a legitimate business or organization required to comply with the law. The Federal Communications Commission can fine them if they do not stop.
You may need to reply multiple times to different senders, as I found out when I received texts from Progressive Turnout Project and then from Progressive Takeover, which is described as a "Progressive Turnout Project Initiative."
There's an App
You can get apps for iPhone and Android devices that filter out spam calls and texts reported by other users. I've used several of these apps, including NoMoRobo, Robokiller, and YouMail.
Signing up for a subscription is required to get the most out of them, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 a month.
Timing Considerations
Timing is everything when it comes to stopping unwanted political text messages.
The National Do Not Call Registry only applies to phone calls, not text messages, so it won't help in this situation.
You can start by checking the "sender ID" on your phone to see if it's a known number or a generic name like "Text Message" or "SMS".
If you're receiving messages from a number that's not registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), it's likely a scam.
To report these numbers, you can file a complaint with the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center online or by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC.
For another approach, see: Call Out Text Messages
Featured Images: pexels.com
