Political robo calls are the bane of the electorate -- a cause of misery and pain so pervasive that it has prompted voters to spew venom against the best intentioned candidates. Websites have popped up calling for the abolishment of robo calls, with some voters promising to vote against any candidate who intrudes into their homes with a pre-recorded message on the phone. Some pollsters have determined that these automated calling systems don't sway voters' opinions one way or the other.So why then, do politicians continue to use this technology at the very risk of their own candidacies? And why have they exempted themselves from their own laws and allowed political robo calls to continue?
There are several reasons why the practice of sending robo calls has remained on the list of staple campaign tactics:
First, robo calling is one of the least expensive ways to deliver a targeted message to voters. It is a fraction of the cost of television, print and mail, and it can be sent to those voters who are most likely going to show up at the polls.Second, there is virtually no ramp up time in getting robo calls out so it is an ideal way to respond to last minute attacks, or to get information to voters during teh last days of the campaign.
Third, some speculate that the people who complain about automated calls are most likely not going to vote anyway. In fact, some candidates believe the calls have been partly, if not largely, responsible for their victories. Some candidates also believe that negative calls against them, have been responsible for their defeats.How can candidates send out pre-recorded message to voters using robo call technology, without upsetting or stirring the ire of voters? Here is a list of things candidates can do to help themselves:1) Send out calls during the day when most people are not home. That way, you don't intrude on peoples' lives or routine. 70% of the homes are vacant during the day and you can have your message programmed to be left on voicemail or an answering machine. Folks can listen to the message at their convenience.
2) The old KISS rule applies -- Keep It Short and Simple. Try keeping you message to 30 seconds or less. Positive messages work better than negative ones. Be sure to thank the voters for their support and remind them to vote.3) Spend time and thought in preparing your message and planning your robo call campaign. 99% of the candidates throw a robo call campaign together at the last minute and rush through the process. There is no reason you can't plan your script and phone lists a couple of weeks ahead of time.
