| Robocalls are pre-recorded phone messages that | | | | can be delivered to each group. For example, you |
| candidates or political groups send before elections. | | | | might want to deliver a different message to |
| Candidates hire robocall services that use | | | | senior citizens and another message to people |
| autodialing technology capable of sending hundreds | | | | who live in a particular town or city. |
| of calls simultaneously, thus the name "robocall," | | | | 3) Keep your message to 30 seconds or less. |
| or delivering messages robotically. Content of the | | | | Make sure you identify yourself. |
| messages can vary, including soliciting support at | | | | 4) Plan early! Most robocalls are thrown together |
| the polls, or responding to last minute attacks. | | | | at the last minute and little thought is given to the |
| The federal government and the vast majority of | | | | message or in organizing a phone list. A properly |
| states permit political robocalls, though some | | | | managed robocall campaign can take days or |
| states have restrictions. Candidates are also | | | | weeks. Make sure you have a good, properly |
| permitted to call phone numbers that are on the | | | | formatted list (an Excel spreadsheet works) and |
| national Do Not Call list. The use of robocalling is | | | | that you have scheduled and reserved time with |
| controversial with proponents saying it upholds | | | | your robocall provider. Sometimes capacity is |
| free speech, while opponents equate it with | | | | maxed out and last minute robocall customers are |
| telemarketing and that it should be outlawed | | | | unable to get their messages out. Generally, voter |
| completely. | | | | phone lists are public information and can be |
| While individual state laws vary, federal law | | | | obtained from local or state election boards. |
| requires that the pre-recorded messages identify | | | | 5) Tell your robocall service provider what Caller |
| who made the call and include an identifying | | | | ID number you want voters to see. Be prepared |
| telephone number or address. | | | | to use a phone number associated with the |
| Robocalling is an extremely powerful medium -- so | | | | campaign. That number will receive a lot of calls |
| powerful in fact, that many recipients consider it | | | | since many voters will call back wondering who |
| an invasion of their privacy. It can be a two | | | | called them. The best practice is to have your |
| edged sword. While it is the fastest, most | | | | Caller ID number go to a recorded voice mail |
| effective, and most inexpensive way to enable | | | | greeting that identifies your campaign and thanks |
| voters to hear a candidates voice, if executed | | | | the voters for their support. |
| improperly, it can actually lose votes for a | | | | 6) Like any other political advertising, robocall |
| candidate. | | | | providers will require payment in advance. Since |
| Here is a list of "best practices" that candidates or | | | | most don't charge for undelivered messages that |
| political groups should consider when using robocall | | | | are unanswered or disconnected, the providers |
| services or a robocall provider: | | | | can only estimate. Chances are they will |
| 1) Robocall campaigns should be conducted during | | | | overestimate the job and give you an immediate |
| the day rather than the evening to avoid | | | | refund for any overpayment. Regarding rates, |
| interrupting dinnertime and other family activities. | | | | you're best bet is to pay on a per minute basis |
| Pre-recorded messages can be played to people | | | | rather than per number because many of the |
| who answer the phone live or can be left on | | | | numbers on your list will be undeliverable. |
| answering machines. The object is to call during | | | | Generally, you can estimate that 75-80% of the |
| the day and leave as many messages on | | | | calls will get through. |
| answering machines as possible so recipients can | | | | All in all, if used properly, robocalling will help a |
| listen to the message at their convenience. | | | | candidate get an important message out to |
| 2) The huge advantage to robocalling is that unlike | | | | voters, particularly when responding to last minute |
| television or radio, calls can be targeted to people | | | | attacks. But the use of robocalls should be limited |
| who actually vote. Moreover, voter lists can be | | | | and used sparingly. |
| defined into subgroups and different messages | | | | |