How to Address Your Senators & Congressmen
Simple etiquette is the key to addressing senators or representatives. People in the legislature do pay attention to letters addressed to them from constituents. When addressing a representative or senator, it is best to send the letter to the local district representative. A representative or senator is more likely to address concerns from a voter in their district. A concise, well-written letter increases the chances that the congressman will take the content seriously.
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Instructions
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Etiquette for Addressing a Senator or Representative
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Both senators and representatives should be addressed as follows: The Honorable (full name).
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Write the letter about a single issue or topic. Members of the Senate or House of Representatives receive about 200 million letters and email a year. A concise letter about a single issue helps the representative or senator understand the issue with which constituents are most concerned.
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State the reason for the letter or email and identify who is writing. If a response is desired, include an address.
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Represent the facts about the issue or concern and avoid being too emotional. When facts are explained as clearly as possible, the senator or representative is far more likely to pay attention and respond. Specify how the issue affects the individual and others. If the issue involves a specific bill, site the title and/or number of the bill.
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Close by requesting a specific action the senator or representative should take to resolve the issue.
For example, voting yes or no on a bill or how a policy could be changed.
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References
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