Tips for Writing Your Reps:
1. Narrow your scope to those who directly represent you: the state Senators, and the
Congressional Representative of the district where you're registered to vote. The rest of the representatives aren’t
dependent on your vote and they don’t want your extra paper. Be sure to include your full name and return address.
2. Keep the letter short and direct. The staffers reading your mail prefer simple, direct letters
that mention the bill or issue in question. If you have the chance, I recommend looking up the
bill number or official name of the bill to allow their ease in researching your question.
You can get this information at Thomas — legislative
information provided for YOU on the Internet.
3. Don’t bother signing any petition that does not ask for your full name and address. Again, the representatives
are there to represent their constituents, not random folks who call or write. As long as the signatures and addresses
are from the correct area, the opinion earns a "point" (one person for/against) for your team.
4. Don’t bother sending lots of letters (calls or e-mails) on the same issue — one is enough, unless the
situation around the issue has changed. Than feel free to express your new opinion on the changes.
5. If you want to suggest an item for legislation, check out http://thomas.loc.gov/home/lawsmade.bysec/sourcesofleg.html
for more information.
6. Individually sent correspondence goes a lot further in the memory of the assistant of
the representative handling your issue; this is the person who also recommends actions and relays
constituent preferences to the representative. Letters go a lot farther than cards. Calls and e-mails will also
obtain responses, but your message may not be as clear. Paper is still preferred, and you can expect your
correspondence to be answered by mail.
7. It never hurts to have a specialist, academic, or social group or your side.
If the issue is well summarized in an article that is not too scientific, feel free to send that along, too.
The less the assistant has to do to find information on the subject, the sooner you will receive your response.
Your letter and article may be saved for reference, too.
8. If you know friends and acquaintances of the representative, use those contacts (obsequiously).
But don’t threaten, name-drop, or insult the representative. They’re touchy about that stuff, and it won’t get you
anywhere. Passionate letters are nice to read, but often a well-supported point goes much further.
9. Good luck, and keep an eye on your representatives!
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