To comply with wireless carrier policies, we require that every initial message include sender identification - the name of your organization - and instructions on how to opt-out of texts. These opt-out instructions have to use standardized language such as "Stop to opt out". More details and examples below. 


Note: Spoke will show an error and prevent you from launching campaigns if this specific opt-out language is missing from your initial message.




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Sender Identification

The first script you send in your campaign must clearly identify your organization as the sender. In other words, your initial message needs to include the name of your organization. 


If your organization is a PAC or group supporting a candidate, mentioning the candidate's name is not enough. You need to make clear who is behind the texts by naming your organization. 

Political campaigns are being asked to add "campaign" after the candidate's name to ensure it's completely clear who is sending the message.


Here are some examples:

 

  • Hi {firstName}, I’m {texterAliasOrFirstName}, a volunteer with The Big Organizing Project. Txt stop to opt-out. Have you heard of our progressive slate of candidates? 

  • {firstName}, is anything holding you back from voting this Tuesday? This is {texterAliasOrFirstName} with Progressive Texting. Reply with questions or stop to quit.

  • Critical election alert - if you live in {zip}, your polling location has changed to {polling_location}. Call {voter_hotline} with questions, reply stop to end. - Marry Bett’s campaign 

  • Neighbors for a Brighter Tomorrow here, just wanted to follow up and see if you’re able to sign our petition? Stop to opt-out. 


Opt-Out Language

Examples of opt-out language include phrases like, “Reply stop to opt-out” and “stop to quit”. 


Keep in mind: opt-out language must include a space between each word. The carriers expressly don't want to see opt-out language without spacing like “stop2quit”, “quit2end”, “stop=end”, etc., for example. 


Additionally, we strongly recommend sticking to full-language phrases like "stop to opt-out". Carriers may filter shortened phrases like "stop 2 end".

 

Here’s a list of phrases you can use:

 

  • Stop to opt out

  • Unsubscribe to opt out

  • End to opt out

  • Quit to opt out

  • Stop to end 

  • Unsubscribe to end

  • End to end

  • Quit to end

  • Stop to unsubscribe

  • Unsubscribe to unsubscribe 

  • End to unsubscribe 

  • Quit to unsubscribe 

  • Stop to quit

  • Unsubscribe to quit 

  • End to quit

  • Quit to quit

Spanish language texting: "Alto" or phrases like “STOP = anular la suscripción”

 

You can place the opt-out phrase anywhere in your initial message, such as the middle or the end. Here are some examples of messages that meet the requirement:

  • Hi {firstName}! It’s {texterAliasOrFirstName} with <campaign>. <Candidate> has been working hard for regular people their entire career, and now they need your help. Can <Candidate> count on your vote? Stop to quit

  • Hi, this is {texterAliasOrFirstName} with <organization>. I hope you will help us protect <city> by voting yes for a Green New Deal, a higher Min Wage, fewer AirBnB's, more privacy, and to protect tenants. Reply with any questions or text stop to unsubscribe. We hope you are with us on questions A-E!

 

Opt-Out Language in Spanish

For Spanish language texting, you can use "Alto" or phrases like “Alto = anular la suscripción”