How to Get Your Message Across
Next to voting, writing a letter to your elected officials is one of the most important and effective ways that you can participate in the American political system. Writing an effective letter outlining your legislative concerns need not be a tedious or frightening project.
HOW AND WHAT TO WRITE
Before starting to write your letter, make sure you have the proper name and address of the elected official. If you are not sure who is the proper legislator, call your local Board of Elections, Chamber of Commerce or League of Women Voters.
If the issue you are writing about impacts your business, use your business letterhead. Make sure your letter is legible, preferably typed. Be sure your letter has your return address on it. Envelopes frequently get thrown away.
Clearly identify the subject of your letter. State the name of the legislation and the appropriate House or Senate number. State your reason for writing, citing arguments in support of your position. Explain how this issue will affect you, your family, business or profession. Also, include its impact on your community, state and national economy. If you are writing about a bill that addresses a real problem but which offers the wrong solution, suggest an alternative. Don't write to complain . . . write to bring about change.
Be sure your letters are reasonable. Don't ask for the impossible and don't threaten. Don't say you will vote against the individual unless he does what you ask. Threats will end up hurting your case much more than they will help it. Most legislators are acutely aware that if they do not please a constituent, they are not likely to receive his vote in the future. As a constituent, you have the right to know your legislator's position on an issue. Be sure to ask him for his specific opinion of a bill.
Lastly, always remember to thank the legislator if they vote your way. Everyone appreciates a complimentary letter -- and remembers it. On the other hand, if a vote is contrary to your position, don't hesitate to let them know. That will be remembered also.
WHEN TO WRITE
When writing your letter, consider its timing. It is always best to write your legislator during early consideration of an issue. Early information can help develop his position on the issue. Later correspondence aimed at changing a legislator's mind will be less effective.
The best time to write is when a bill is in committee. It is at this stage that an individual legislator can have the greatest ability to impact the outcome and language of a bill.
Once you have written, the hardest part will be waiting for a response. Elected officials mail is read and answered, but not always as expeditiously as we would like. If you are not pleased with the response that you get - that is, if the response is a form letter, or very non-committal -- write again. It never hurts to let your legislator know about your concerns.
If you still are not convinced to write your elected officials, reconsider. They have a political and legal obligation to let you know how they are voting on the issues and, you have the political and legal privilege to make your opinions heard!