US Voters To Be Given Political Polling Opt-Out

In the US, The National Political Do Not Contact Registry (NPDNC) has provided voters with the option to opt out of receiving political polling calls through its web site.

Political calls are specifically excluded from the Federal Trade Commission's own Do Not Call (DNC) registry. However, while 150m Americans have registered with the DNC, research conducted by Georgetown University has highlighted that 3 out of 4 voters are not aware of the exclusion.

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, during the 2006 election, 64% of voters received recorded messages and around 40% received between three and nine automated phone calls during the campaign. Market research conducted by the NPDNC this summer confirmed that US voters want to stop candidates from abusing their right to political speech.

NPDNC Founder and CEO Shaun Dakin said that he started the registry to improve the quality of life for the average American during the election season. 'Many voters consider calls from politicians and political groups to be invasive. If the NPDNC can help reduce political calls during the 2008 election, we will have delivered a significant win for the American family and for our political system overall,' he added.

While, the NPDNC has no legal authority to regulate candidates' behaviour, it is asking them to take a 'Do Not Contact' pledge not to call numbers listed in the registry.

The NPDNC, online at www.StopPoliticalCalls.org, is part of Citizens for Civil Discourse (CCD) - a non-profit organisation dedicated to elevating political discussion in the United States.

Earlier in the year, communications watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) backed down on plans to prevent political candidates, and social and market researchers from making calls on Sundays ( www.mrweb.com/drno/news6848.htm ).

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.