Contact Elected Officials

There are many different ways to contact your elected officials. The best way of course is to know them personally, but that’s not often possible. To identify your local officials, please click here.

It’s easy to become involved. Donating time, attending meetings, or contributing funds to campaigns or causes can all help. And it’s best to do this before the problem arises.

Find out who your elected officials are and get involved.

To learn more about your state officials click here for a link to Multistate Associates, a 50 state government relations resource.

To learn more about your U.S. elected officials visit http://thomas.loc.gov/

WHEN WRITING TO YOUR LEGISLATORS KEEP THE FOLLOWING TIPS IN MIND.
Type/print on personal or business stationery. Be sure to have your return address on letters – envelopes are discarded.

State your reason for writing and what you want your legislator to do (include bill number, and as appropriate title).

Explain the rationale for position (your own personal experience is best supporting evidence – relate impact to district).

Be constructive and reasonable (if a problem exists, admit it. Describe the best approach if you oppose bill — don’t threaten nor ask for the impossible.)

Be brief and write about one subject (letters should be one page or less.)

Consider timing — write early — before issue becomes popular — before elected official takes a position.

Use your own words — they can make a difference! (Avoid slogans or phrases from newsletters/form letters).

Ask your legislator to explain his/her position on the issue in a reply. (As a constituent, you’re entitled to know how and why they feel as they do.)

Follow up. Thank your legislator if they please you with a vote (everyone appreciates a complimentary letter). Also, don’t hesitate to communicate your displeasure too.

Don’t mention your membership in a business/citizen group. (Legislators should already know the position of your association...it’s likely if you identify yourself with a group, your letter will be disregarded as something the association said to write.)

Address Styles:

The Honorable
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator :

The Honorable
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative :