Whose Voice Is That Telling You How to Vote?

We all know who’s approving the message, but who are those guys actually reading it? The world of voice actors for campaign ads is a tight, politically charged one, Newsweek reports. Voters will be exposed to about 3,000 ads this season, and almost all will be voiced by one of a couple of dozen specialized readers. And like everything else in politics, this talent pool is partisan.

Almost all narrators stick with one party, becoming known to the consultants within it, and gain renown when ads are effective. Some are even dedicated enough to turn down a paycheck: “I've walked away before,” said one conservative narrator. “If it gives me qualms, I won't do it.” Most work from home studios and, in economic times like these, huddle by the phones, ready to record at a moment’s notice. (More political advertising stories.)