WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas law permits voter registration information, including phone numbers and email addresses, to be accessed by candidates, political parties and political action committees. As a result, many Wichita residents are receiving unsolicited political text messages as the November election approaches.

What voters are hearing

Some voters say the messages have little effect, while others admit the texts spur them to vote. Rhonda Lewis told KWCH she has already decided whom she will support and finds the texts “very irritating” and a clutter to her phone. Blake Stanhope, another Wichita voter, said the messages reminded him that he needed to get to the polls.

How the system works

Under Kansas statutes, voter registration data is considered public record. The Sedgwick County Election Commissioner, Laura Rainwater, explained that any voter who includes a phone number or email address on their registration form makes that information publicly available. “If you put your phone number or your email on your registration, that is public information,” Rainwater said. She added that voters are not required to provide a phone number or email address if they prefer to keep that information private.

Steps to stop unwanted texts

Voters who wish to avoid political robotexts have two main options. First, they can choose not to list a phone number or email address when they complete or update their voter registration form. Second, they can reply with the word “STOP” in all caps to any unwanted political text. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that political robotexts and calls be sent only to recipients who have given prior consent. The FCC also encourages anyone who believes a group is violating these rules to file a complaint on its website.

Why the outreach matters

Political texts are a growing tool for campaigns and advocacy groups to reach voters directly. While some residents appreciate reminders to vote, others view the messages as intrusive. The ability to opt out helps preserve the balance between effective voter outreach and personal privacy.

What you can do

If you are a Wichita voter and want to stop receiving political texts, consider the following steps:

• Check your voter registration record and remove any phone number or email address you do not wish to share.
• When you receive a political text, reply with “STOP” in all caps to halt further messages from that sender.
• Report any suspected violations of FCC rules by filing a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints.

By staying informed about how voter information is used and exercising the right to opt out, Kansas voters can protect their privacy while still participating fully in the democratic process.

Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.