SMS Registration

These are essential requirements for political campaign SMS/MMS text messaging and must be completed prior to submitting your registration.

As of October 2023, phone carriers have increased the scrutiny and requirements for an approved SMS campaign. There are two main requirements that you need to know for registering your political campaign for SMS or MMS messaging.

1) Opt-In Agreements on Your Website

When collecting phone numbers on your campaign website, it's mandatory to include a checkbox with specific information. This checkbox should be present on all pages where phone numbers are collected, like Volunteer, Endorsement, and Contact pages. The checkbox must contain:

• An opt-in agreement for receiving messages.
• Information about message frequency and potential rates.
• Opt-out instructions.
• Help language for more information.

Example SMS Disclaimer

“By checking this box and providing your mobile number, you agree to receive SMS messages from [YOUR CAMPAIGN]. Message frequency varies. Msg&Data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

Alternatively, you may choose to collect contact information and opt-in through the Vottiv canvassing app instead of a contact form on your website. In this case, you may not have any fields to collect phone numbers on your website unless they adhere to the requirements above.

2) Privacy Policy

A visible Privacy Policy is essential. It should be accessible through a link in the footer of your website and direct visitors to a separate page containing the policy. The critical aspect of this policy is the assurance that you do not sell user information to third parties. This is some sample language to ensure that consent is not shared is as follows, as approved by mobile carriers: “Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties unless required by law.”