How to Write Letters to Public Officials

Public officials, whether local or in Washington, are your voice in government. It's important to let public officials know how certain issues affect your community, your workplace and most importantly, your family. Getting the attention of public officials with quality letter writing is one way to get your opinion heard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Letterhead
• Spelling and grammar checks
• Contact information for public officials

1. Decide what issue you want to write about. Keeping your letter to one issue at a time will make it more effective.
2. Be specific in your heading. Tell the official what bill or vote you are writing about within the first two sentences of your letter.
3. Choose your tone. Letters to public officials are either positive or negative, for or against an issue. Keep your tone consistent throughout.
4. Use a standard business format on personal letterhead. Letterhead templates are available on most word processing programs and should even be used in e-mail communication.
5. Tell a little about yourself and why this particular issue is so important to you. After identifying your issue, go into this information in the first paragraph.
6. Summarize key points of your issue and how it will directly affect you and other constituents. Note your support of the official and how past decisions she has made have affected your community.
7. Thank your official for their time and consideration. Public officials rarely get enough appreciation for their hard work on your behalf.
8. Close your letter on a positive note. Let the official know that you are sure he will make the right decision and your support will be reflected in the next election.

Tips & Warnings

• Write a rough draft.
• Give alternate solutions to problems if your letter opposes an issue.
• Volunteer your time to help solve this issue or to support a future campaign.
• Responses from public officials take time.

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