Writing to your Legislator

The Letter

Your letters to legislators or members of Congress can make a difference. Legislators rely on letters to find out what the people in their District are thinking. And, for you, letter-writing can be the first step in building an ongoing relationship with your legislators. Here are some guidelines to follow when writing.

• Spell your legislator’s name correctly.
• Type your letters if possible. If writing longhand, take care to write legibly. Do not write on the back of a page.
• Address your legislator properly:

The Honorable John Doe California State Senate Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Senator Doe:	The Honorable Jane Doe California State Assemblymember Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Assemblymember Doe:
The Honorable Jane Doe United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Doe:	The Honorable John Doe U.S. House of Representatives Washington DC 90515 Dear Representative Doe:

• Identify yourself either as a constituent or as a member of an interested organization.
• Use your own words on your own stationery. Personal letters are more effective than postcards or petitions.
• Clearly state the topic you are writing about and your position on it, in the opening sentences. For example: “I am writing to oppose steep cuts in Medicaid and Medicare.”
• Refer to bills by name or number if you can.
• Stay on the topic. If you want to write about other issues, send another letter later on.
• Make sure your letter is timely. Write when legislation is pending in committee. If you’re not sure when this is, see How to Track a Bill in our website.
• State reasons for your position. Tell how the issue affects you or your business or your community or state.
• Keep it short. One page is best. Use two pages only if necessary for clarity and completeness.
• Use your name and address on both the envelope and the letter. This helps staff in replying and identifies you as a constituent.
• Write to thank your legislators when they take an action you agree with. It’s surprising how few letters of thanks are received on Capitol Hill. If a staff member is particularly helpful, thank him or her, too – or mention your gratitude in your letter to your legislator.
• Keep writing!