Who Represents Me?
How to contact your legislator
You can call, email, or write a letter to your legislator’s office. Emil is most effective if it is not a blanket mailing to all members, but a specific mail message to your representative or senator. When sending an email, remember to include your name, postal address and phone number.
Things to Do and Not to Do
Do:
- Be brief, no more than a page
- Make easy to read (if handwritten make sure handwriting is neat and legible)
- Identify the issue at the top of the letter and cover only one issue per letter
- Make your letter informative
- Identify yourself and your credentials (ex. I raise pigs and grow corn and soybeans)
- Get straight to the point
- Use common terms and avoid abbreviations
- Be polite and reasonable
- Make sure to say thank you
- Make an appointment when visiting the Capitol
- Find the House or Senate File when calling about a specific issue
Don’t:
- Use form letters or post cards, use your own words
- Threaten or attack legislators
- Address as congressman