Text Banking Basics

Text banking lets you reach voters through text messages — and it's one of the most popular volunteer activities because you can do it anytime, anywhere, at your own pace.

What Is Text Banking?

Text banking means sending text messages to voters on behalf of a campaign. You send an initial message, then respond to replies using provided scripts and talking points. It's conversational, just in text form.

The text bank overview screen with your shift details and assigned contacts

How It Differs from Phone Banking

• Asynchronous — unlike phone calls, texts don't require real-time conversation. You send messages, people reply whenever, and you respond when you can.

• Higher volume — you can text many more people per hour than you could call.

• Less intimidating — if talking to strangers on the phone feels daunting, texting is a great alternative.

• Flexible timing — you can text during your lunch break, on the bus, or while watching TV.

Why Campaigns Use Text Banking

• Text messages have a 98% open rate (compared to ~20% for email)

• People respond to texts faster than any other communication channel

• It's efficient — one volunteer can reach hundreds of people per shift

• It works for voter ID, event invitations, GOTV reminders, and more

Peer-to-Peer Texting

ActionGrid uses peer-to-peer (P2P) texting, which means each message is sent individually by a real volunteer — not blasted from a robot. This keeps the conversation genuine and compliant with texting regulations.

Getting Started

• Sign up for a text bank shift through ActionGrid

• When your shift starts, open the text banking tool

• You'll see a list of contacts and the initial message to send

• Tap Send on each contact to fire off the message

• As replies come in, respond using the suggested scripts

It's that simple. You'll get the hang of it in the first five minutes.

Your contact list with a Send button next to each person

Sending the initial message is as simple as tapping Send

Learn More

• Following scripts and templates

• Text banking tips and etiquette