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Contact
Your Legislator
Letter writing or e-mail may be the most effective way of contacting your
legislator. When writing make sure you explain your position, how the issue
effects you, your community, and your state. Share specific knowledge with them,
they may be able to use it in determining the outcome of an issue. A couple
points to make sure your voice is heard are:
· Address it properly;
check the correct spelling and address.
· Be sure to include your name and
address in the letter itself.
· Be reasonably brief, one page is preferred
and is most likely to be read.
· Allow time for your letter to arrive and
action be taken.
Lastly, write the letters and e-mails yourself. You are
more likely to receive a personalized response if you take the time to write a
letter. Form letters and petitions are likely to be replied with a form
response.
Contacting your legislator in person can make a meaningful
impact. When wanting to meet your legislator face to face be professional and
make an appointment, and let the issue you want to discuses be know ahead of
time. If you cannot get an appointment you can go to the office and may be able
to talk with an aide and make them aware of your concern. When discussing an
issue with a legislator or an aide stick to the facts in a straightforward
manner on the issue you came to discuses, make sure their time is well spent
talking to you. Most importantly listen to the legislator explains their views
without interrupting, they take the time to listen to your views please take the
time to listen to theirs.
When you think a legislator has done a good
job with an issue regardless of the final outcome, write or call to convey your
appreciation. People in the political arena seldom receive “thank you” letters
or congratulatory calls.
Remember “An informed and active citizenry is
the lifeblood of a
democracy.”
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