How to Find Local & Federal Congressman
There are many ways in which the average citizen can get involved in American politics. One of the most convenient ways is to contact a member of Congress. This can be done by phone, email, letter or in person. All congressmen have a responsibility to hear inquiries, complaints and praise from
citizens, and most contact information can be found easily.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Local Congressman Instructions
-
1
Do a Zip code search. Go to the House of Representatives website (house.gov) and search for your local congressman using the Zip code search engine. The website has a listing of all members of Congress as well. You can check for the name that matches your area. Washington, D.C., contact information and local contact information should be listed. You can write a letter to the representative, call the office or send an e-mail.
-
2
Check the congressional directory at contactingthecongress.org. On this website, a location-based search engine and map are provided so you can find your representative's contact information. For example, if you click on the state of Ohio, all members of Congress from Ohio will appear on the next screen. If you click one of the names, that representative's district, email, contact information, office locations and biographical information will appear on the next screen.
-
-
3
Search your phone book for information on your local congressman. In every phone book, you should be able to find a government section with updated contact information for members of Congress. Call the office and explain to the receptionist what you would like to talk about with your congressman. You then can arrange a meeting or phone conversation. Remember that congressional offices are busy places, and you will have to be flexible with your time if you want a first-hand chat with your representative.
Federal Congressman
-
4
Use the search engine on the House of Representatives website to search for members of Congress. You can also search by criteria such as location and party affiliation. The website has an A-Z directory you can use as well.
-
5
Use the Senate's website if you are searching for a senator. Representatives are assigned to a specific district based on population numbers, but there are two senators for every state. You can search by state, party affiliation or last name.
-
6
Use other websites to search for members of Congress, such as votesmart.org. This website records voting history and biographical information not only for current congressmen but also for candidates.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not expect to be speaking with the congressman in a matter of minutes. Government officials are busy people and typically need time to arrange a meeting or respond to an email or letter.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
