How to Write to a Political Representatives
Although politics can be off-putting for some, it is vital that you contact your elected officials with your viewpoints -- as long as you do it in an effective way. Politicians consider one email or one written note to represent the veiwpoint of one hundred of their constituants. You can still use snail mail, but it's faster and more efficient to use email whenever possible, especially if a bill is up for a vote.
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Things You'll Need
- Notebook
- Pen
- Email account
- Address of political representative you want to contact
- Letter template (optional)
Instructions
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Write down the first draft of your letter in a notebook. Get out all of your feelings, details you want to bring up or any other issues you have about a particular situation. Once you get it out of your system, it's easier to write in a more civil tone of voice.
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Go back to the letter and cross out anything that strays from the point, is insulting or could be considered threatening. Make sure your letter does have your name and address, the politician's name and address, what you want the politician to do and let her know that you will be following up on the issue.
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Fire up your computer and search under the politican's name. If you don't know the name, you can search at a national directory of political representatives. (See Resources).
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Many members of government will have their own letter writing forms on their websites. All you have to do is fill in the empty text boxes and submit. If not, then they should at least have a contact email address for you to use.
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End your email or letter thanking him for his time and consideration of this matter. A closing line like "Sincerely" is not required.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't go over one page or one computer screen in length if you possibly can.
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Matthew Bowdon
