Just got a fully recorded robocall without any live introduction, in violation of minnesota law.
Minnesota, which still has some vestigial elements of the good-government model we used to be noted for (same-day registration, high voter turnout), has one of the toughest robocall statutes in the nation:
325E.27 USE OF PRERECORDED OR SYNTHESIZED VOICE MESSAGES.
A caller shall not use or connect to a telephone line an automatic dialing-announcing device unless: (1) the subscriber has knowingly or voluntarily requested, consented to, permitted, or authorized receipt of the message; or (2) the message is immediately preceded by a live operator who obtains the subscriber's consent before the message is delivered. This section and section 325E.30 do not apply to (1) messages from school districts to students, parents, or employees, (2) messages to subscribers with whom the caller has a current business or personal relationship, or (3) messages advising employees of work schedules.
Despite this law, I just got a fully automatated robocall from the MCCL - Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) is a non-profit organization comprised of thousands of citizens of every faith and creed, bound by the common belief that each individual is "endowed by their creator" with the right to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness," as stated so aptly by our nation's founders. We hold that unless the fundamental right to life is first secured, all other rights are meaningless.
The content of the call was innocuous by MCCL standards, which usually reflects the Michelle Bachmann, "ass-beating crazy" wing of the MN Republican party. It mentioned a concern for life and endorsed McCain and Coleman. It ended with an MCCL identifier. I find it hard to believe that this organization, which has been fighting in the political trenches for decades, is not aware of this law.
I sent a complaint notice to our state Attorney General, Lori Swanson, and urge anyone else who has gotten this call to do the same. Like many of the right-wing outfits lurking in the political woods, it seems to be operating under the assumption that it doesn't matter if you get caught, as long as it happens after Nov. 4th.
Update: Post complaint to FCC if you are on do not call list...(Thanx, Nellie525)
Note - if you want to know why political organizations would want to skip the law mandating live callers, check out the recording Minnesota Public Radio made of a McCain telemarketer...hilarious:
McCain call...