Tips for contacting legislators

While all contact with legislators influences their decision-making, some efforts are more successful than others. Here are a few tips for making the most of your contact with state and federal senators and representatives.

Communicate with YOUR legislators first. They want to know what their constituents think about issues; they are influenced less by those outside their districts.

All communication should be accompanied by your name and address.



Be sure to indicate you are a constituent of the legislator you are contacting.



Phone calls and faxes generally have more impact than e-mail letters.



E-mail letters have less impact , but are still important. And, they are faster, easier and more economical than phone calls or U.S. Mail.



Original letters carry more weight than form letters, so whenever possible write original letters, or customize form letters.



One way to maximize form letters is to customize them , then print and fax or mail them with your name and address on them, making them look like originals.