Why did I get a political call, and how did they get my number?

[Randy Cage]

Political calls are pretty common during election seasons—and yes, your number can end up in a campaign’s hands for a few key reasons:

1. Voter Registration Lists Are Public (in Most States)

• When you register to vote, your basic information (like name, address, party affiliation, and sometimes phone number) is available to political parties, candidates, and researchers.

• Even if you didn’t provide a number, third-party databases sometimes match your info with publicly listed phone numbers.

2. You Might’ve Shared Your Number Somewhere Else

• Did you ever sign an online petition, take a political quiz, make a campaign donation, or RSVP to a political event? Your number may have been collected and added to campaign outreach lists.

• Campaigns also sometimes rent or buy lists from data brokers who compile voter demographics.

3. They’re Exempt from Do Not Call Laws

• Political calls aren’t blocked by the National Do Not Call Registry. They’re legally allowed under U.S. law, even for landlines.

• Robocalls are allowed to landlines but not cell phones unless you gave consent—though this rule isn’t always followed.

4. There’s Usually a Way to Opt Out

• If it’s a real person or a legit campaign number, ask to be removed from their call list.

• For robocalls, you can sometimes press a number to opt out, though results vary.

• Report unwanted or illegal political robocalls to the FCC or your state’s attorney general—especially if you suspect it’s spammy or misleading.

5. Final Thoughts Getting political calls is part of the territory once you’re in the voter database. While some people engage with them, others block them or let them go to voicemail. You’re not alone—millions of Americans wonder the same thing every election cycle.

[Pete]

Welcome to election season! They probably got your number from voter registration data. If you’re registered to vote, especially with a party, that info gets shared—sometimes even sold. It’s annoying, especially when you’ve had a long day and the phone rings right at dinnertime.

[Angelina Marie]

So, your number might’ve come from a few different places. Political campaigns can access voter rolls with your name, address, and sometimes your phone number if you listed it. Plus, if you signed a petition, donated, or even gave your number to another org, that data might’ve been shared with campaigns.