How to Write Your Elected Officials

“Nothing just happens in politics. If something happens you can be sure it was planned that way.” -President Franklin D. Roosevelt

You can send a letter to your elected official by regular mail, by e-mail or by fax. Because safety precautions have delayed regular mail, it is generally better to e-mail or fax your letter if you want your opinion to be registered right away. If it is not urgent, a letter by mail can be very effective and more personal. While it is always better to write your own letter or to personalize a form letter when possible, a form letter is better than nothing.

Steps

1. State your name and who you are. Identify yourself as a constituent.
2. State your reason for writing and include the name and number of the relevant bill. Keep each letter to one issue.
3. Pick your three strongest talking points. Use examples and statistics to support your position.
4. Provide your contact information on both your letter and your envelope to receive a reply and to confirm you are a constituent.
5. Sign your letter.
6. Follow up with either a phone call, a visit or another letter at the appropriate time.

Tips

• Always type or print.
• Send a copy of your letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine if it’s relevant.
• Consider holding a letter-writing party or meeting to get other people involved.

How to Write Editors