We've all received them. Sometimes shouty, other times slick, occasionally nonsensical, the political spam text message is now a feature of modern elections and can reach even the most disengaged, no matter where they are.
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In the 2025 election campaign, many come with bonus videos, gifs and graphics thanks to data messaging.
A Trumpet of Patriots text from billionaire Clive Palmer's newest political venture has been received widely and is especially boggling, both in its ambitious promises and syntax.
"Solve housing fast trains 20 min CBD cheaper land. Super for deposit 3% interest, cut immigration by 80%," it reads.
In other texts the party promises to double fees for international students but make education free for others, plus "forgive loans".
Text spamming voters has bipartisan support
But all parties - and many independents - are using the political advertising technique.
Former Married at First Sight (MAFS) contestant Tim Smith, who is running as an independent in the seat of Melbourne, had a go at the Greens using a cartoon video in his text message to voters.
"Watch [Greens leader] Adam Bandt DJ while Melbourne burns," it read.
The Liberals in Braddon, Tasmania are sending invitations to BBQs, including sausages, face painting and live music, accompanied by slickly-designed graphics.
Some candidates are asking for replies, or encouraging people to visit their websites or fill out surveys.
Sadly for the humble citizen, there is no legal recourse.
Political parties are exempt from both the Spam Act, which prevents most companies from sending unsolicited digital marketing, and the Privacy Act, which largely prevents personal information being used for direct marketing without an opt out option.
"Political parties are exempt from the Spam Act and the Privacy Act and are able to send unsolicited text messages without an opt out option," a spokesperson for the Australian Electoral Commission said.
Vote 1 the anti-spam party?
"The AEC has no insight into how political parties obtain mobile phone numbers, except to confirm that this data is not provided by the AEC."
Voters wanting political text messages banned or regulated might want to closely consider who they vote for on May 3 because any move to alter the status quo would have to be made by ... politicians.
"Any changes to these laws would be a matter for the parliament to consider," the AEC spokesperson said.
