The letter is the most popular choice of communication with elected
representatives. Legislators are impressed by large numbers of
informed, personal communications from constituents in their districts.
They are not influenced by form letters even if they are sent
by constituents from their own district. Usually, a legislative
alert will contain a request for you to write a letter to your
representative. The following tips should be kept in mind when
writing the letter and the sample format enclosed should also
assist you when composing your correspondence.
- Address your letter properly:
use the guide in this packet to properly address the legislator
and if at all possible type or generate your letter using a
computer.
- Be brief and specific:
Discuss only one issue in each letter and identify a bill number
and title if possible. Identify the purpose for writing in the
first paragraph and explain how the issue would affect you and
your profession. Specific examples and brief supporting data
of the legislation's impact on local interests have the most
impact.
- Ask for a reply:
State your position on an issue and if you do not know the legislator's
position on an issue ask for a reply. Remember to be courteous
and polite and offer additional facts if it is appropriate.
- Be reasonable and courteous:
Don't ask for the impossible, and don't threaten. It may harm
your cause.
- Be sure to thank the legislator:
if they support your position on an issue. Very often legislators
only hear from people who need something. By offering a short
thank you note you may be looked upon more favorably the next
time you make a contact.
- Be sure to restate your position:
at the end of the letter. This will help to reinforce your point.
- Keep it brief:
Try to keep your letter to 1-2 pages. Legislators and their
staff do not have time to read more than that.
There are a number of things you should not do when writing an
elected official.
- DON'T write
on a post card.
- DON'T begin
on the righteous note of "as a citizen and a taxpayer".
They assume that you are not an alien, and they know we all
pay taxes.
- DON'T apologize
for taking their time. If your letter is short and expresses
your opinion, they are glad to give you a hearing.
- DON'T be rude
or threatening it will get you nowhere.
- DON'T send a
carbon copy to other legislators. Write each letter individually.
REMEMBER: It is
the straightforward letter carrying the appeal of earnestness
that commands the interest and respect of legislators. It is especially
helpful if you can state how the bill would affect you and your
community. Legislators must decide how to vote on hundreds of
bills each session, and they need and want your help in telling
them how these bills would affect their district. How to Address
Letters
Click
here for sample letter
