Understanding SMS Compliance

SMS messaging is heavily regulated. Understanding and following these rules protects your campaign from legal issues and ensures your messages reach voters.

Pulsar helps you stay compliant with built-in safeguards

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Consult a campaign attorney for specific compliance questions.

Key Regulations

TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act)

The main federal law governing text messages:

• Requires consent before sending marketing messages

• Must provide opt-out mechanism

• Penalties: $500-$1,500 per unauthorized message

Political Exemptions

Political campaigns have some exemptions:

• P2P texting is generally exempt from TCPA auto-dialer rules

• Voter registration and GOTV messages have additional protections

• However, commercial solicitations (fundraising) are NOT exempt

When in Doubt

Treat all texts as if full TCPA rules apply. It's safer and builds better relationships with voters.

Consent Requirements

Types of Consent

Consent Type

Required For

How to Obtain

Express Written

Marketing/fundraising

Signed form, online checkbox, text keyword opt-in

Express Oral

Some informational messages

Verbal consent (document it!)

Implied

Transaction-related only

Existing relationship

Best Practices for Consent

• Use clear opt-in language on signup forms

• Keep records of how consent was obtained

• Don't purchase phone lists or text numbers without explicit consent

Required Message Elements

Every text must include:

1. Campaign Identification

Identify who is sending the message:

• "From [Candidate Name] Campaign"

• "Paid for by [Committee Name]"

2. Opt-Out Instructions

Clear way to unsubscribe:

• "Reply STOP to unsubscribe"

• "Text STOP to opt out"

Pulsar Helps

Pulsar automatically appends opt-out instructions to your messages and processes STOP requests immediately.

Opt-Out Handling

Recognizing Opt-Outs

Pulsar recognizes standard opt-out keywords:

• STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT

Processing Opt-Outs

When someone opts out:

• Immediately stop texting them

• Send confirmation message

• Record opt-out status permanently

• Honor across all campaigns

Honoring Opt-Outs

Never text someone who has opted out, even if:

• They're on a new list

• It's a different campaign

• They didn't use the exact word "STOP"

Timing Restrictions

Send texts only during reasonable hours:

• Recommended: 9am - 9pm recipient's local time

• Never: Before 8am or after 9pm

Time Zone Awareness

Pulsar automatically adjusts send times based on recipient location. Enable this feature for multi-state campaigns.

Record Keeping

Maintain records for at least 4 years:

• Consent records (how/when obtained)

• All messages sent

• Opt-out requests and processing

• Complaints received

Track compliance records including consent, opt-outs, and message history

Next Steps

• How to Create an SMS Campaign

• Managing Text Lists

• Understanding Compliance in Pulsar