Emails are preferred in most cases, especially during legislative sessions, but all communication, whether mail, email, or phone calls should always include the following.
- Your Name
- Your Address
- Your Phone Number
- Whether you are a Constituent of that District (preferably include your District #).
- Keep It Short & Simple (KISS).
- Know the title of your bill, its sponsor or sponsors and its number.
- Know enough about your bill to be able to discuss it with your legislator...be ready to counter any talking points they may have heard for or against your bill.
- Remind your legislator that you represent a non-partisan organization.
- Address correspondences to "The Honorable..." or to "Representative..." or to "Senator..."
- If you know your legislator, even in the vaguest sense, include this fact at the beginning or your communication.
- Be courteous
- Share why the bill may affect you personally. Use clarifying examples to support your position. (Your own personal experience is the best supporting evidence.)
- Be constructive. If you oppose something, try offering a positive alternative.
- Never threaten to withhold a vote in the future based on the outcome of the issue.
- Do not remind the legislator that you are a taxpayer.
- After the vote, regardless of the outcome, be sure to send or email a note thanking them for considering your position. This creates a more favorable atmosphere for future communications.
- Are better if they are personal instead of form letters.
- Put on letterhead, if possible.
- Make sure the envelope is addressed correctly.
- Most prefer letters to be sent to their homes.
