Survey Finds Voters Tire of Political Texts

A survey of 4,650 Americans found many respondents feel overwhelmed by campaign messages and are less likely to engage as a result.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Survey Finds Voters Tire of Political Texts

Live Poll

Would you sign up for a do-not-contact list blocking political campaign texts?

Most respondents received political texts and emails at least daily in the months before Election Day, according to a survey by Murmuration and Civic Shout. Forty-two percent said they decided against donating, signing a petition or joining a political organization to avoid more messages.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that high-volume campaign outreach may be reducing the civic participation it is meant to encourage. Campaigns and organizations relying on digital messaging may need to reconsider how often and how they contact potential supporters.

Among 4,650 surveyed Americans, 55 percent said they receive too many messages and 71 percent would sign up for a national do-not-contact list for campaign texts. The survey does not address whether these preferences differ by party, age or region.

The players

Murmuration

Murmuration is the research firm that conducted the survey with Civic Shout.

Civic Shout

Civic Shout is a digital advertising platform that co-conducted the survey on political messaging.

The details

The survey was conducted by Murmuration and digital advertising platform Civic Shout, which asked respondents what bothers them most about political texts and emails and allowed multiple answers. Respondents said these messages mostly make them feel campaigns want something from them, while only 11 percent said the messages helped them feel informed and involved.

Months leading up to Election Day, 2026: respondents received political texts and emails at least daily.
2026 midterms: the survey was conducted in the wake of the elections.

Political Context

Political campaigns are largely exempt from some telemarketing restrictions that apply to commercial senders under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which is why the 71 percent support for a do-not-contact list points to a gap in current rules. Opposition to unlimited campaign outreach on this basis has been raised by consumer advocates, though the survey itself does not measure legislative positions.

If you receive frequent campaign texts, the survey suggests you may be able to reduce them by requesting to be removed from lists or by using a do-not-contact registry where one exists. Respondents who felt overwhelmed were less likely to donate, sign petitions or join organizations, so limiting contact may not reduce your ability to stay engaged on issues you care about.

The takeaway

Campaigns that send fewer, more relevant messages may earn more lasting participation than those that flood inboxes and phones. Voters who want to stay involved can choose which senders to hear from and when to opt out.