I love the Speaker Pelosi Project and Upgrade the Senate. They were my vehicle this cycle for contributing to Congressional candidates. They're important not just to get money to good candidates but also to increase the leverage of sites like Daily Kos. And, I trust the vetting here and was happy just to split my donations.
Then, as the Sept. 30 reporting deadline approached, I became aware of the cost. My real email was crowded out by multiple fundraising solicitations daily from 20-odd candidates.
I checked with ActBlue, and it turns out they share your email with the candidates you donate to. You can't opt out (and can't not give ActBlue your email). They don't seem to be interested in changing this. Their response is below the squiggle.
I don't think it's reasonable that it's up to me "to be in touch with these folks and let them know that you would prefer to be removed from their lists" -- especially when I'm donating to a slate organized by a third party, which means there's a ton of "these folks" -- when as far as I can tell ActBlue could just provide an opt-out.
My request: If you've had a similar problem with campaign email deluges, after contributing to SPP/UtS or some other slate, and would like an opt-out -- or at least an explanation why there isn't one -- please contact ActBlue and let them know you'd like to be able to opt out and keep your email private.
Better yet, maybe one of the powers that be here, if any reads this, could put a little pressure on. I expect that'd be all it takes.
Or, please tell me what I'm missing.
Response from ActBlue:
Thanks for writing! We completely understand your concerns about your privacy, however ActBlue does share your email address with (only!) the campaigns that you are directly supporting. We don't share or sell your information with anyone else, but the candidates and organizations that you support on ActBlue will have access to your email address. I would, however, certainly encourage you to be in touch with these folks and let them know that you would prefer to be removed from their lists.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help, or if you have any questions at all.