Every office handles communication from citizens differently.  Some offices do not accept e-mail.  Some do not respond until after the legislative session.  One rule is true throughout the Legislature.  Legislative courtesy requires that each legislator be allowed to assist their own constituents.  Translation:  Most likely you will only receive responses from the Senator and Representative who represents your area.

• Write legibly or preferably type. • Write on your own personal stationery or business letterhead.  If you are writing as a representative of your group, write on your organization’s letterhead.  Do not send a postcard. • Include a phone number, as the legislator may wish to talk to you about your communication. • If you are a constituent, begin your letter by saying so.  If you supported or voted for the legislator, say that also. • Do not begin on a righteous note…”As a citizen and a taxpayer”.  It is assumed that you are not an alien and we all pay taxes..  • If you are working with others on an issue, or if you are otherwise active in the community, say this. Do not say that you belong to a specific political or lobbying organization since that may detract from the apparent spontaneity of your letter. • Make clear what your position is and what exactly you want your legislator to do.  Refer to a specific bill by name and number and not just a general issue.  Write about one bill or issue per letter. • Make the letter entirely your own.  Express your thoughts and conclusions in your own words.  Do not use stereotyped phrases and sentences from form letters.  They will be recognized as “pressure mail” and will be less effective. • Your own personal experience is the best supporting evidence.  Tell your legislator how the issue would affect you, your family, your students, your organization, your profession, or your community or the state. • Be reasonable. Do not seek impossible things.  Do not threaten. Don’t say, ”I’ll never vote for you again if….” • After you have told your legislator where you stand, ask your legislator to state his/her position in a reply. • If your legislator pleases you with a vote on an issue, write and tell them so.  Be appreciative of any positive votes in the past.  Much of the mail received by lawmakers is from angry or displeased constituents.  A letter complimenting your legislator will be remembered favorably the next time you write.

Timing is important.  If your letter arrives too early, it will be forgotten.  If your legislator is a member of a committee to which your bill has been referred, write when the committee begins hearings.  If your legislator is not a member of the committee heating the bill, write your letter just before the bill comes to the floor for debate or a vote.