Tips on Communicating with Elected Officials

League of Women Voters^®
of Oak Park / River Forest

Whether you're communicating by letter, telephone, or e-mail, here are some tips to remember:
Timing is important. Address your written message properly. Include your return address. Write separately to each legislator. Keep your message short and to the point. If you are a constituent, begin your message by saying so. Refer to a specific bill or issue by name and/or number. Make your position clear and say exactly what you'd like the legislator to do. Write about only one bill or issue in each letter. Include your personal experience as supporting evidence. Make the letter entirely your own. Ask the legislator to state his/her position in reply to you. Proofread carefully. Remember to thank your legislators later on, if appropriate. Follow up by contacting the governor or president after your bill has passed both chambers to show your support for signing it into law.
Proper address:
Envelope and inside address: The President The Honorable Jane/John Smith
Salutation: Dear Mr. President, Dear Senator Smith/Representative Smith/Governor Smith

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: July 8, 2008 22:47 PDT.