How to Stop Contributing to Political Campaigns

Sometimes, getting involved in political campaigns can feel like an obligation, but ultimately, it is your choice. If you've decided to stop supporting certain political campaigns, there are several straightforward steps you can take to ensure your financial contributions are halted. This article will guide you through the process of unsubscribing from email lists, cancelling automatic payments, and taking the necessary actions to stop giving money to political campaigns.

Steps to Stop Contributions

Unsubscribe from Political Emails

The first step is to unsubscribe from political emails you've received. These emails often contain links at the bottom that allow you to deregister. Simply click the unsubscribe link to ensure you are no longer receiving these messages. Make sure to do this for every email you've received from political organizations or candidates.

Contact Your Bank to Cancel Automatic Payments

If you have automatic payments set up for political contributions, this is the easiest way to stop giving money. Contact your bank or the organization directly to have your name removed from their donor list. Many organizations, such as ActBlue or ActRed, provide a way for you to cancel these payments on their own websites. If you are unsure, check your bank statements for automatic deductions and follow the instructions there.

Cancel Email Alerts and Unsubscribe from Candidates' Websites

After unsubscribing from emails, cancel any email alerts you have signed up for from candidates or political parties. While it may seem like these emails are informational, they are often just pitches. Several candidates and parties may list you on their email lists, even if you only support a few. Remember that while your contribution is appreciated, larger contributions from PACs and corporations also play a significant role. This will reduce any guilt you might feel about not supporting the candidates right now.

Why Small Donations Matter

Some might argue that small donations help boost a candidate's campaign efforts. However, studies show that every small donation can lead to at least 2 votes—that's the vote of the donor and one more influenced by the donor. This phenomenon is why candidates often value small contributions, as they believe these donations will translate into more supporters and votes.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Here are a few additional steps you can take to ensure you’re not supporting any political campaigns inadvertently:

Review Your Bank Statements: Regularly check your bank statements or online account to identify any unexpected automatic payments related to political contributions. Check Your Credit Cards: Going through your credit card statements can also help you identify any contributions you might have made without realizing it. Contact Organizations Directly: If you're still unsure about automatic payments, don't hesitate to reach out to the organizations directly and confirm your status. Consider Supporting Issue-Based Organizations: Instead of supporting individual candidates, consider giving to organizations that focus on specific issues. This way, your contribution can have a more direct and lasting impact.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your financial contributions align with your values and that you are not inadvertently supporting political campaigns you do not wish to support.