How to Create a Texting Campaign

The Texting feature in Voter.Vote allows campaigns to reach voters (as well as current donors, potential donors or even stakeholders) directly through SMS messages. Texting campaigns are highly effective for reminders, events, fundraising, and voter engagement. Each campaign must use a voter list containing valid mobile numbers. In addition, testing and scheduling options help ensure compliance and reliable delivery.

Creating a Texting Campaign

1. In Contact Voters, select Create New Campaign → Texting Campaign.

2. Enter a descriptive campaign name in the Naming Your Campaign field. Use a clear title such as “Election Day Reminder Texts” or “Volunteer Outreach.”

3. Under Select List for Outreach, choose a list that contains mobile phone numbers. If no eligible lists appear, create a new voter list that includes phone numbers.

4. Click Create Campaign to open the messaging editor. Creating a campaign does not immediately send messages; it opens the workspace where you can draft, review, and schedule your texts.

Messaging Tab

Compose Message: Write the SMS message you want to send. Keep it short—texts longer than 160 characters may be split into multiple messages.

Personalization Tokens: Use merge fields such as {{First Name}} to personalize messages and increase engagement.

Compliance Reminder: Political texting must include opt-out language (“Reply STOP to unsubscribe”). The platform may insert this automatically. Do not remove it. Avoid sending prohibited content or fundraising messages outside permitted hours.

Preview: Review how your message will appear on a mobile device. Adjust formatting, links, or line breaks if necessary.

Send Test Text: Use the test option to send a preview message to your own number before launching your campaign.

Recipients and Scheduling

Select Delivery Time: Choose whether to send texts immediately after activation or schedule them for a specific date and time. Scheduling helps align outreach with campaign goals.

Throttle Rate: For larger voter lists, set a send rate (messages per minute or hour) if available. This prevents carrier blocking and ensures consistent delivery.

Activation

Once your message is finalized, return to the campaign overview. Confirm that all required steps are complete, including message drafting, compliance verification, and payment setup. Click Activate Campaign to start sending texts. Messages will be delivered based on your schedule and configured send rate.

Pro Tip

Test your message thoroughly before activation. Reviewing length, links, and tone prevents carrier issues and ensures a professional voter experience. Furthermore, short, friendly texts with clear calls to action typically see the highest engagement rates.