Inundated by Political Texts: Alaskan Voter’s Frustration with Campaign Messaging
TL/DR –
Many citizens in Alaska have been experiencing an increase in political messages as campaigns ramp up ahead of Election Day, reflecting a nationwide trend. Melissa Michelson, a professor in California, explains that while these messages won’t necessarily change voters’ minds, they are effective for encouraging voter turnout, fundraising, and collecting data about voter engagement. However, there is little recourse for those trying to stop these messages, as political calls and texts are exempt from the national do-not-call registry, and blocking numbers often leads to messages from different numbers.
Alaskans Overwhelmed by Political Messages
At his two-story home in Chugiak, Daniel Formoso scrolled through political messages on his phone. “This is way too long to send as a text message,” he complained. Formoso and other Alaskans are feeling frustrated by the constant influx of political texts. Formoso had decided on his vote well before the messages began. He isn’t alone in expressing discontent at this form of incessant political campaigning.
Do Political Texts Work?
According to Melissa Michelson, a professor specializing in political communication, while such texts have a limited scope, they are efficient in rallying enthusiasm and soliciting funds. They’re also effective in gathering data for campaigns, she said. “Campaigns track how many people click-through, donate, and how much money they’re making,” she informed.
Inundation Due to National Importance of Alaska’s Senate Race
With Alaska’s U.S. Senate race gaining national attention, Alaskans are being bombarded with political communication. Candidates have already spent approximately $20 million, with political action committees adding another $60 million, some of which funds these texts, calls, mailers, and TV ads.
How to Stop the Deluge?
Halting this inundation is challenging. Blocking numbers only leads to texts from different numbers. These calls are not just from campaigns but also from supporters. Furthermore, political calls are exempt from the national do-not-call registry. The source of these numbers? Voter registration and purchased contact lists, Michelson explained.
The heavy flow of political messages isn’t changing minds like Christine Guzman’s, who has never registered to vote. Despite receiving countless texts, she has no intention of voting and is left feeling frustrated and exhausted, much like many other Alaskans.
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