Letters to Legislators

Writing Your Legislator

• Address your letter or e-mail properly. Know your legislator's full name and correct spelling. To find your legislator's contact information, go to our Legislative Action Center and simply type in your ZIP.
• Always include your contact information on the letter AND e-mail. A legislator generally will not answer letters AND e-mails unless your full name and address is included.
• Let the legislator know you are a constituent. If you live in the legislator’s district, say so in the very first sentence. “My name is and I live and vote in your Senate/House district.”
• State Your Position. Identify the bill or issue of concern to you and your position. Thousands of bills are introduced each legislative session. If you write about a bill, try to give the number or the popular title, such as "the Whistleblowers Act."
• Be Concise. Limit your letter and/or your e-mail to one or two succinct key messages. Say what you have to say as clearly, completely and concisely as possible.
• Use Your Own Words. There is no need to create literature. What’s important is communicating that these issues are important to you personally –– and why. Include personal anecdotes or observations from your experience that are consistent with the goals and messages of the advocacy effort.
• Lastly, include a “call to action.” State clearly what you want your legislator to do, such as "vote yes on House Bill 1000."

To find your state legislator’s contact information, click on our Legislative Action Center and simply type in your ZIP.