“Dancing with the Stars” is one of the most popular television competitions in the United States. Every season, celebrities are paired with professional dancers, and together they perform weekly routines in front of a panel of judges. While judges give scores based on technique, performance, and creativity, the audience also plays a major role in determining who stays and who goes. This is where voting comes in—and one of the easiest and most accessible ways to participate is through text voting.
If you are a fan who wants to make sure your favorite couple continues in the competition, learning how to properly text vote is essential. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process, the rules, and some tips to make sure your votes count.
Why Text Voting Matters
On “Dancing with the Stars,” results are not based only on the judges’ scores. Contestants’ fates are a combination of the judges’ scores and the votes they receive from the viewing public. In other words, even if a couple receives a low score from the judges, strong audience support can keep them safe for another week.
Text voting allows fans to quickly and easily show support without needing an app, a website, or additional registration. As long as you have a mobile phone with texting capabilities, you can participate directly.
Step 1: Watch the Show and Know the Contestants
Before you can vote, you need to know which celebrity–professional pair you want to support. Each couple is assigned a unique keyword or voting number for that season. These are usually announced at the beginning of the competition and are repeated throughout each episode. The show’s hosts often remind viewers of the correct voting codes, and they are also displayed on-screen when each couple performs.
Step 2: Get the Official Voting Number
When voting by text, you will not be sending your message to a random phone number. “Dancing with the Stars” uses a specific short code number that applies for all contestants. Viewers simply text the contestant’s unique name or code to that short number to cast their vote.
For example:
- If contestant A’s voting keyword is ALEX, you would text ALEX to the official short code (such as 21523, depending on the season).
- If contestant B’s code is LISA, you would text LISA to the same short code.
It is important to double-check the code announced during the show, as it may change from season to season.
Step 3: Understand Voting Limits
Every fan wants to vote as much as possible for their favorite star, but “Dancing with the Stars” has strict limits to keep things fair. Typically, viewers are allowed a specific number of votes per voting method, per couple, per show. For text voting, this usually means you can send multiple votes—but only up to a set maximum.
For example, if the limit is 10 votes per contestant per voting method, you can text your contestant’s name 10 times during the open voting period. If you try to send more than the limit, only the first set of valid votes will count.
Step 4: Timing is Everything
Voting windows are limited. In most cases, text voting opens during the live broadcast of the show and closes shortly after the final performance. If you text outside of this voting window, your votes will not be counted.
Since the show airs live at different times depending on your time zone, it is important to pay attention to the official announcements. Always try to cast your votes as soon as the lines open to make sure they are registered properly.
Step 5: Confirmation Messages
After you send a vote by text, you may receive a confirmation reply. This is an automated message from the voting system letting you know that your vote has been received and counted. If you do not receive a confirmation, double-check that you typed the contestant’s name correctly and that you are sending it to the right number.
Step 6: Standard Message Rates Apply
Text voting is simple, but remember that it is treated as a regular text message by your mobile provider. Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your phone plan. If you have an unlimited texting plan, you should not have additional charges. Always check with your provider if you are unsure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending votes outside the voting window – These won’t be counted.
- Misspelling the contestant’s name – A small mistake means the system may not recognize your vote.
- Exceeding the maximum number of votes – Anything beyond the limit is ignored.
- Using the wrong short code – Always verify the correct number announced during the show.
Tips for Maximizing Your Support
- Vote early: As soon as the lines open, send your texts.
- Set reminders: If you are a dedicated fan, set an alarm so you never miss the voting window.
- Use multiple voting methods: Besides text, the show often allows online voting through its website or official app. Using every method multiplies your support.
Conclusion
Text voting for “Dancing with the Stars” is one of the easiest ways to support your favorite celebrity and professional dance partner. By simply sending a text message during the live show, you become part of the decision-making process that keeps the competition exciting and unpredictable. Just remember the key points: know your contestant’s voting code, respect the limits, vote within the time frame, and double-check for confirmation.
When millions of viewers participate, every single vote truly matters. So next time you watch “Dancing with the Stars,” keep your phone handy, cast your votes, and help your favorite couple dance their way to the Mirrorball Trophy.
By. Wilgens Sirise
