Overview

In today’s political campaigns, the use of text messaging has become a common tool. Not only is text messaging fast and easy, but it can be cheaper than other forms of communication. Over the past decade, text messaging has been used to remind voters to get out and vote, send event alerts, organize volunteers, and mobilize the youth vote. However, with many different options and software available for text messaging, it can be challenging to choose one that works best for your campaign. Here are some options we like.

ThruText

ThruText is a texting program that allows you to upload lists of numbers to text and lists of volunteers who can message them. The program is not an app, but web-based, and so can be used on a computer or on a phone. ThruText allows you to write texts and create automated replies. Also, you can include survey questions to measure the support of a candidate or to ask if they are able to volunteer. ThruText charges .08 cents for each outgoing text. Lastly, ThruText can easily export the messaging data and the survey questions for useful analysis.

Ten More Votes

Ten More Votes is an application for your smart phone that allows volunteers and staff to effortlessly canvass, text, and call voters directly without any formal training needed. The application allows you to either upload your own data to be used or Ten More Votes can provide you with the necessary information. Also, Ten More Votes charges a flat monthly fee for unlimited text message usage. With a simple and clear interface to use on the app, text messages can be sent at a high rate of 10 messages per minute.

The Risks of Texting

Although texting can be an efficient tool for campaign outreach, texting can also be misused. Recently in Wisconsin, an individual recently sent out mass texts to support a specific candidate for Alderman. These texts included false information about the candidate’s opponent as well as racist comments to others causing issues in the campaign. Read more here: https://www.theroot.com/crazy-wisconsin-candidate-claims-racist-text-messages-w-1833000686

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“As a new candidate, HSG Campaigns was so helpful to my campaign. They helped coach me and show me how a campaign should be run, and they produced great mail and other media to support me. HSG Campaigns knows how to win!”

— Marisol M. Uribe, Board Member, Montebello Unified School District

With the first presidential primaries already less than a year away, it’s no secret that candidates are eyeballing ways to influence and capitalize on voters and delegates in the first voting states. With California’s primary being moved up to Super Tuesday, this makes for an interesting fight in a state that has traditionally been non-competitive for presidential candidates.

Here are three trends to watch as all-important California presidential primary develops.

1. Mass Communication
California has 500 delegates to acquire and because California’s geography is so diverse, it takes more resources use mass communications such as TV and digital ads. This kind of political spending can be extremely costly for any candidate low on resources early in the primary season. How and when to start media communication in a state with the most expensive media market will be a critical development to watch.

2. Ballot Harvesting
Ballot harvesting is another practice that California’s unique political landscape now allows for. This tactic can be extremely beneficial for any candidate who has a well-organized operation that can target voters, collect their ballots, and keep track of how many their operation needs to capture to hit their mark. This practice is new to California and could play a significant role in the 2020 presidential primary.

3. Progressives vs. Moderates
California - like many other states - has had a divide between the progressives moderate Dems.  This divide has complicated the Democratic Party and will be a key factor for the presidential candidates looking to gain support in California.