While potential voters may register and intend to vote, many registered voters ultimately do not participate in elections. In addition, previous studies have not addressed how the impact of the text messages may vary among causal voters compared to habitual voters. Casual voters are defined as those who had previously only voted in the presidential election or major elections. Habitual voters are defined as those who have a higher propensity to vote (in this case, those who voted in each of the four elections).

This project aimed to increase voter turnout by sending registered voters “cold” text message reminders about upcoming elections. We define cold texts as text messages that have absolutely no prior or personal contact associated with them. In other words, people do not receive texts from an organization that registered them in person and do not give permission to receive text messages prior to Election Day. This method of voter outreach differs from mobilization efforts that are centered on social contact.

Source: B-Hub