How to Write a United States Senator
Although e-mails are the speediest form of communication, an actual snail mail letter will often get more attention in a senator’s office. It is a fairly simple matter to learn how to appropriately write a letter to your senator.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Write a United States Senator
-
1
Begin by making sure you know the correct spelling of the senator’s name and the address at which you can write to her or him. Simply go to the link in the Resource section on this article, where you will find a drop down menu which allows you to find the name and addresses of senators by state.
-
2
Use a sheet of unlined paper—or letterhead paper if you have it. If you do not have letterhead paper, center your name on the top line, center your street address under that, and, on the third line, center your city, state, and zip code. You may add additional lines for phone number(s) and e-mail addresses if you wish.
-
-
3
Skip a line and write the date flush with the left-hand margin.
-
4
Skip another line and write the following:The Honorable Claire McCaskill (for example)717 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510
-
5
Skip another line and write:Dear Senator McCaskill:
-
6
Skip another line and begin your letter. It should be no longer than one page. In the first paragraph, you should state the purpose of your letter and something about yourself if pertinent. For example: “I am a veteran of the Viet Nam War. As a veteran, I am concerned about . . . “ In the second paragraph, which is the main part of your letter, explain your views and your reasoning behind them. In the third paragraph, make a request for action, if appropriate. “This is why I am hoping you will vote against the bill . . .”
-
7
Skip a line. Write “Yours truly,”
-
8
Skip four lines. Type your name. Place your handwritten signature between the “Yours truly” and your typed name.
-
9
Address the envelope by centering the following: The Honorable Claire McCaskill (for example)717 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510In the upper left hand corner, write your name, address, city and state.
-
10
Attach a stamp* and mail. *Contrary to a widely-held belief, letters to members of Congress must have sufficient postage in order to be delivered.
-
1
