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Write on your personal or business letterhead, if possible, and
sign your name at the end of your message. Type or write
legibly.
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Be sure your exact return address is on the letter, not just on
the envelope. Envelopes sometimes get thrown away before the letter is
answered.
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Limit the letter to one subject. State clearly the subject matter
of the legislation about which you are writing. Give the House or Senate
bill number if you know it.
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Be brief -- one page is best.
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State your personal reason for writing. Your own experience is
your best supporting evidence. Give facts and illustrations. Explain how
the issue would affect you or your family, your business or profession,
or what effect it would have on your state or community.
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Use your own words. Avoid stereotypical phrases or sentences that
give the appearance of "form" letters. They tend to identify your
message as part of an organized pressure campaign and produce little or
no impact.
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Your attitude is important. Be reasonable and constructive. Don't
ask for the impossible. Don't threaten. Don't say, "I'll never vote for
you unless you do such and such."
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Ask your legislator to state his or her position on the issue in
reply. As a constituent, you're entitled to know.
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Consider the factor of timing. Try to write your position on a
bill while it is still in committee. Your senators and representatives
can usually be more responsive to your appeal at that time, rather than
later on when the bill has already been approved by a committee. Of
course, this is not always the case. Sometimes your legislator may
reserve judgment - and vote - until the sentiment of his or her
constituency has crystallized.
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Thank your legislator if he or she pleases you with a vote on an
issue. Everybody appreciates a complimentary letter - and remembers it.
On the other hand, if a vote is contrary to your position, don't
hesitate to let him or her know. That will be remembered, too.
