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How to Block Political Robocalls

Tips for stopping these disruptive annoyances

By Andy O'Donnell Andy O'Donnell Writer Auburn University Andy O'Donnell, MA, is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a senior security engineer who is active in internet and network security. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 6, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section Political Robocall Rules Getting Rid of Unwanted Political Robocalls Will New Robocall Legislation Help

What to Know

Don't list your phone number when you register to vote. If you are already registered, submit a change form.Download a call-blocking app such as NoMoRobo, YouMail, or Robokiller.Check with your provider about your options for stopping political calls. This article contains several methods you can use to block unwanted political calls. It's not just robocalls anymore — robotexts are auto-dialed text messages and considered a type of robocall.

Political Robocall Rules

As an election year ramps up, so does political spending to try to influence voters. If you find yourself on the receiving end of unwanted canned statements from pleading politicians, you can do something about it. Political campaign-related robocalls and robotexts can't legally be sent to cell phones and mobile devices without your consent. They can't be sent to protected phone lines, such as emergency lines or lines that serve hospitals, unless there's prior consent, but political robocalls are allowed to landline phones, even without prior consent.

Getting Rid of Unwanted Political Robocalls

You may be receiving unwanted political robocalls at home on a landline, or you may be getting political robocalls or robotexts on your mobile device, and you're not sure how or when you gave "permission." In either case, there are measures you can take to stop political robocalls. Many consumers think adding their number to the Do Not Call List, a national list of mobile and landline phone numbers that have opted out of receiving legal telemarketing calls, will stop political robocalls, but the Do Not Call List doesn't apply to political calls.

Don' t List a Phone Number During Voter Registration

When you register to vote, most states require only your street address and not a phone number. If campaigns can't find your phone number, they can't call you. If you've already registered to vote, submit a voter registration update/change and remove your phone number. Updating a voter registration varies by state, but most offer an online update option. You could also submit changes over the phone or by mail.

Use a Robocall Blocking Service

NoMoRobo is a robocall-blocking service that works on VoIP landlines (such as AT&T U-Verse and Vonage) as well as iPhones and Android phones. NoMoRobo and similar services work by scanning a blocklist of known robocallers. Its list is massive, compiled with the help of the FTC as well as other sources, including users who submit numbers. Incoming calls are caught after the first ring and then are compared to the blocklist. If it's a robocall, NoMoRobo effectively hangs up on the call before you get bothered. YouMail and RoboKiller are additional free robocall-blocking services for mobile phones. If NoMoRobo doesn't support your landline provider, obtain a Google Voice number or port your landline number to a Google Voice number. You'll be able to use NoMoRobo and also have access to Google Voice's other great features.

Use Your Landline Provider' s Call-Screening Features

If you have a landline that isn't VoIP enabled, your provider likely offers features such as anonymous call rejection. Visit your provider's website for more details on setting up this kind of feature. Anonymous call rejection typically forces the caller to expose their identity by either revealing their real caller ID information or stating their name after being prompted.

Check With Your Wireless Provider

Most wireless carriers offer call-blocking features to customers, either free or for a fee. For example, AT&T's Mobile Security and Call Protect services for Android and iOS block calls from likely scammers and identify telemarketing calls. Users can add numbers to a block list, as well. Check with your wireless provider to see if it offers similar features.

Will New Robocall Legislation Help

In December 2019, President Trump signed the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. The White House says this measure aims to “provide American consumers with even greater protection against annoying unsolicited robocalls.” The bill requires voice service providers, such as AT&T and Verizon, to authenticate calls to eliminate call spoofing and fake or spam robocalls. Political calls aren't legally affected by these new rules, but the new authentication technology may serve to impede at least some of them. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Hide Your Number With *67 How to Stop Political Texts How to Stop Unwanted & Spam Calls on Your Cellphone or Landline Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) How to Record a Call With Google Voice How to Block Spam Calls on Android How to Block Cell Phone Numbers On Android or iPhone (iOS) How to Block No Caller ID Calls on iPhone Can I Call Alexa From My Phone? Best Visual Voicemail Apps of 2022 How to Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number How to Park Your Cellphone Number What to Do When Your Phone Number Is Being Spoofed How to Call Back a Private Number How to Record a Phone Call on iPhone 5 Best Ways to Find a Cell Phone Number Online Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies