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SMS is the highest-engagement outreach channel for political campaigns. Culper handles the compliance infrastructure so you can focus on the message.

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What is A2P 10DLC?

A2P (Application-to-Person) 10DLC is the FCC-mandated registration system for sending campaign text messages from a 10-digit long code (a regular-looking phone number). Without it, carriers will block your messages. Culper manages the registration process — you just need to provide your campaign details.

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Setup: A2P Registration

This is a one-time process that takes 5–10 business days.
  1. Go to Dashboard → Settings → SMS
  2. Click Begin A2P Registration
  3. Complete the form:
    • Campaign name and EIN (if available)
    • Your campaign type (candidate, PAC, political party)
    • A sample message you plan to send
    • Opt-in method description (how voters gave consent)
  4. Submit — Culper files the TCR (The Campaign Registry) registration on your behalf
You must not send campaign texts until A2P registration is approved. Carriers will filter/block unregistered political messages, and you may be flagged for violations.

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TCPA compliance

Every SMS you send must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA):
  • Prior express written consent is required for each voter you text
  • All STOP replies are honored immediately and automatically
  • Opt-outs are added to a global suppression list — they cannot be overridden per campaign
  • Culper adds consent language to your opt-in flows automatically
Political campaign texting without documented consent is one of the most common causes of TCPA lawsuits. Culper’s suppression system is non-optional — never attempt to work around it.

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Sending a text blast

Once A2P is approved:
  1. Go to Dashboard → Outreach → New SMS Campaign
  2. Select a voter list (only voters with a mobile phone and SMS consent are included)
  3. Write your message (max 160 characters per segment)
  4. Preview the send count and estimated cost
  5. Send or Schedule

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Personalization

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Door-follow SMS

From the mobile walk app, volunteers can send an immediate follow-up text to a voter who wasn’t home. This uses the same A2P registration and suppression list.

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Opt-out handling

When a voter replies STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, or similar:
  • They are immediately added to the global suppression list
  • Future campaigns cannot text them
  • You can see the opt-out count in each campaign’s stats