One way is to call your legislator's office. Email is a second method. After the anthrax scare pos t9/11 security has tightened for mail coming into Congressional offices in D.C. Mail takes longer to get there and also goes through a sanitation process that can damage letters. Email is most effective if it is not a blanket mailing to all members, but a specific message to your representative or senator. When sending an email, remember to include your name, postal address and phone number so the recipient will know that you are a constituent. The best way to get a legislator's attention is with a short, well-reasoned letter. When logging onto a specific legislator's website, there may a drop-down menu from which you must select the subject matter of the email for it to be received.

 

Here are a few do's and don'ts on how to write an effective letter to your representative:

 

DO . .

• Identify the issue in the Subject Line. Cover only one issue per letter. If you have more than one issue that needs to be addressed, write separate emails for each issue. Be specific and try to use the Bill Number: Support Bill # or Oppose Bill#. This is important because legislators' staff keep a running count of support/opposition to legislation.

• Be brief; never write more than one page.

• Make your letter neat and easy to read

• Get right to the point. For example, you may wish to begin your letter like this: Give your reasons for supporting or opposing the measure. Tell your legislator why you think the bill, if it becomes law, will help or hurt you, your children, your business, or your community. Explain – concisely - what it means to you.

• Use terms they will understand and avoid using abbreviations.

• Never type all in caps – it is very difficult to read.

• You can ask for a reply but, keep in mind how many meetings and hearings your legislator must attend. Often they may simply reply quickly with a form email to acknowledge receipt of your message.

• Be polite and reasonable. Lawmakers can't please everyone. They may disagree with you. Try to respect their views. Don't lose your temper, even on paper. Tell your legislator what you think and why, but be polite.

• NEVER USE THREATENING TERMS – such language is monitored more closely these days.

• And finally, be sure to say "thank you for their attention to this issue."

DON'T . . .

• Don't use form letters. Use your own words. Legislators say, "I'd rather get one short, simple, email than a hundred form letters that organizations urge people to send.

• Again - don't threaten legislators. Legislators say, "Some folks don't know how you stand on an issue, but they'll attack you right off the bat. They'll say, 'Vote for HF____ or else,' and you may already think it's a wonderful idea. Or they'll write, 'Why aren't you supporting this bill, you fool?' and you're the sponsor of the bill. Threats and insults not only don't work – but such language is monitored by computer software these days and may cause you problems."

Proper Way to Address your Letter:

The Honorable (full name of your Senator)
United States Senate (or Illinois State Senate)
Address, City, Zip

Dear Senator (Last name of your Senator)
The Honorable (full name of your Representative)
U. S. House of Representatives (or Illinois House of Representatives)
Address, City, Zip

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. (Last name of your Representative)
(Internal Link to Government Contact Information)

 

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