It's in the Mail

Don't be afraid to contact your legislators. You elected them and they are aware of this. If they want to be re-elected, they know they need to represent their *constituents; so your input is very important. (Click on the Elected Officials link below to find yours and how to contact them.)

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.
  

Letters-

• 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.

This information was put together by: Janice Gerritsen