Legislation – Writing Letters to Legislators

DO

  • Use personal letterhead that includes your return address.
  • Use the titles ”˜Senator’ (Sen.) or Representative (Rep.) to address your legislator.
  • Include a telephone number and an e-mail address if appropriate.
  • Be clear – state the Legislative Document number and your purpose at the outset.
  • Describe your position – For or against – and the reasoning behind it.
  • Be accurate – use facts to support your position on a bill or issue.
  • Write from an individual position – legislators respond to constituents.
  • Be brief – one page – your letter has a better chance of being read.
  • Ask your legislator to send you a reply stating their position on the issue.
  • Send a copy of your letter to cooperating entities or lobbyists.
  • Follow-up a supportive vote with a thank you note, or one noting otherwise.

DON’T

  • Mention your involvement with an organization – write as an individual.
  • Use jargon that isn’t clear, or catch phrases that are from the mass media.
  • Use form letters or fill-in-the-blank messages from a campaign.
  • Make unreasonable or impossible requests, or use a demanding tone.
  • Make threats, use insults, or be overly negative – these tactics usually backfire.
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