Texting is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reach voters. Vottiv makes it easy to send compliant, personalized SMS (text-only) and MMS (text with images) messages while meeting current texting regulations, including 10DLC requirements.

Before you can send any text messages, your account must be registered and approved through 10DLC.
Vottiv provides a separate, complete guide that walks through the entire registration process step by step.

➡️ See: Getting Registered for 10DLC Texting (required before sending messages)

Texting Basics: SMS vs MMS

Once your account is approved for texting, you can send:

SMS – text-only messages
MMS – text messages that include images (JPEG, PNG, and other supported formats)

Messages can include dynamic fields (such as a voter’s first name) and optional images to increase engagement.

Compliance Overview

Current texting regulations require that:

Each message is sent with human interaction (not fully automated)
Campaigns are registered and approved through 10DLC
Messages avoid misleading or spam-like language
Opt-out language is included when required (for example, “Reply STOP to opt out”)

Vottiv is built to support these requirements while keeping the process fast and intuitive.

Before You Start

Before sending messages, make sure:

✅ Your account is approved for texting through 10DLC
✅ You are subscribed to the texting service
✅ You have a voter group ready to message
✅ Your message is clear, friendly, and compliant

If you have not completed 10DLC registration yet, you must do so first.
➡️ Read: Getting Registered for 10DLC Texting for the complete setup guide and FAQs.

Sending Your First Text Message

Once your account is fully registered and approved, you’re ready to send messages.

Step 1: Open the Texting Section

From the left-hand navigation in Vottiv:

Click SMS
You’ll be taken to the texting dashboard, where you can:
- View previously sent messages
- See current messaging rates
- Check available organizational credits

Step 2: Start a New Message

Click Send New Message
Select a voter group
Click Create SMS

Step 3: Write Your Message

In the message editor:

Type your message content
Insert dynamic fields (for example, the voter’s first name)
Include required opt-out language (such as “Reply STOP to opt out”)

Preview the message to confirm formatting and personalization.

Step 4: (Optional) Add an Image for MMS

To send an MMS message:

Upload an image (JPEG, PNG, or other supported formats)
Confirm the image is relevant and properly formatted

Step 5: Review and Prepare the Message

Before sending:

Double-check personalization fields
Confirm opt-out language is included
Review estimated cost and credits

Click Prepare Message when ready.

Step 6: Send Messages with Human Interaction

To stay compliant with current regulations:

Click Send to send each message
The next recipient will automatically appear
Continue clicking Send until complete

This allows fast outreach while meeting human-interaction requirements.

Step 7: (Optional) Schedule a Managed Send

If you’re not ready to send messages yourself, choose Schedule Managed Send to have messages sent at a later time.

You’ll be able to:

Select a send date
Choose a send time in your local time zone
Review compliance and timing guidelines before confirming

Best Practices for Texting

Use:

Personalized messages
A friendly, campaign-identified tone
Clear calls to action

Avoid:

Over-messaging
Aggressive or spam-like language
Unverified links

Troubleshooting & Help

Contact support if:

Your 10DLC registration is still pending
Messages are not sending correctly
MMS images fail to upload
You have questions about compliance

Watch the Video Walkthrough

Want to see this process in action?
Watch the video walkthrough for a full demonstration of creating and sending text messages in Vottiv.