Tips for Contacting Elected Officials

Legislators deal with hundreds of proposed pieces of legislation a year, and can't be expected to know that a proposed law is important to you unless you tell them.  And they want to hear from you! 

When contacting legislators by phone:

• Identify yourself by name and home address.
• Identify the bill you wish to talk about, by name and number by possible.
• Briefly state your position and how you wish your legislator to vote.

Ask for your legislator's stance on the bill or issue. Ask for a commitment to vote for your position, but don't argue if the legislator has an opposing view or is not yet decided.

If your legislator needs additional information, call a supporting organization to get the information and get it to your legislator as soon as possible.

Recognize that legislators are often away from the office, on the floor or in committee, so you may get an aide or be asked to leave a voice mail message. That's great. Use the same basic rules. If you'd rather leave a message than talk to a live body, call in the evening.
 

When contacting legislators by e-mail, fax or letter:

• Be clear about your position and exactly what you want your legislator to do.
• Be polite and respectful, even when you disagree.
• Personalize your communication by telling how the legislation will affect you and others you know in your own words.
• Be brief, refer to your bills by name and number. Include only one subject per message.
• Sign your letter with your name and home address so that your legislator knows if you are a constituent.
• Include a way for them to contact you (phone number or email).
• When a legislator votes as you asked, send a thank you note.

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