Posted 11/03/2026
During election time, your phone may experience a constant bombardment of text messages from politicians vying for your vote. For many people, the interruptions are unwelcome, intrusive, and increasingly difficult to ignore. Texts arrive from candidates, political organizations, and unfamiliar groups, often without our approval. We often times find ourselves subjected to their mudslinging: accusations, emotionally charged references, slogans, and personal characterizations of opponents. We rarely hear a candidate's position explained in a thoughtful, substantive way. It ultimately goes a long way in showing that they regard our intelligence as nonexistent.
How campaigns obtain the information used to reach people raises legitimate concerns about how accessible our personal information has become to total strangers. Political organizations have access to voter registration records, commercial data providers, and purchased or shared contact lists. Campaign messages can arrive with our names attached, creating an unsettling impression that someone knows considerably more about us than we ever intended to share. Seeing candidates repeatedly on television, hearing their names on the radio, or recognizing their faces does not create a personal relationship.
The enthusiasm candidates demonstrate when seeking our votes seems to vanish once the election is over, and that disconnect deserves scrutiny. We are now fully aware that they know our names and phone numbers. A far better use of mass texting would be to reach out when a candidate has an upcoming bill to consider, wants public input while drafting legislation, or needs to understand the concerns of the people they represent. That outreach should carry the same personalization, aggressiveness, and urgency as their messages when their name is on the ballot. Representation should mean more than asking for support every few years. Representation should mean more than asking for support every few years.
Resources are available to combat these tactics. Reply STOP when appropriate, block persistent senders, and forward suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM). Avoid clicking unfamiliar links. Voters also have tools at their disposal to research the entire ballot, including candidates who may not have the financial backing to flood television screens, mailboxes, and phones with advertising.
Resources to Help You Make Informed Decisions
1. VOTE411 — League of Women Voters
A free, nonpartisan voter guide. Readers can enter their address to see candidates on their ballot, compare responses to the same questions, and review local races. Candidate responses are provided in their own words. The League does not endorse candidates.
2. USA.gov — Official Sample Ballots
This is a useful way to identify everyone on the ballot, including candidates in local races who may receive little or no advertising. Sample ballots are available through state election offices, and USA.gov explains how to find them.
4. Ballotpedia — Candidate Backgrounds and Positions
Provides candidate biographies, election information, and its Candidate Connection questionnaire, which allows candidates to describe their priorities and positions. Coverage and participation vary.
5. Guides.vote — Issue-Focused Comparisons
Publishes researched voter guides with links to supporting sources. It lists guides for Senate, House, gubernatorial, and other races, helping voters compare candidates on specific issues.
