A conservative group has petitioned for a waiver to use artificial voices in unsolicited calls. This move could lead to a change in rules before the midterm elections. Consumer advocacy groups are warning of a potential surge in unwanted automated calls.

The current law bans most automated calls to cellphones without prior consent. A decision on the petition could come as soon as late October.

Further information on this development is available, including details on the potential impact of the proposed change on the election.