States are trying to disconnect computer-generated political calls that are flooding the nation’s households at election time. More than 5 million automated ‘robo-calls’ have been made to potential voters in early primary states. The number of robo-calls could run into the hundreds of millions this election year as the political parties battle for control of the White House, Congress and state governments. ‘What’s making people mad is the volume of calls,’ says Jerry Dorchuck of Political Marketing International, which provides automated calling services to candidates. ‘People can get 25 automated calls on the day before an election.’ Nineteen states restrict political robo-calls. At least five more will consider limits this year. The laws range from banning automated calls to limiting times when they occur. Some states require calls to identify who’s paying for the call. Other states ban political calls to people on the National Do Not Call Registry for commercial telemarketers. Federal law doesn’t restrict calls from political, religious or non-profit groups. Political candidates and special interest groups have turned to robo-calls because they are fast and cheap. A robo-call costs 2 to 4 cents per household compared with about 50 cents for direct […]