How to write your congressperson One of the best ways to get your point of view to members of Congress is through a personal letter. Elected officials pay close attention to the mail they receive because every letter represents a certain portion of their constituency. Many elected officials now have e-mail addresses. For those with access to the world-wide web, the Institute for First Amendment Studies' Electronic Activist provides an easy way to send e-mail to your congressperson. The URL is http://www.ifas.org/activist. Whether you use the Internet or the postal system, there are certain basic rules to follow when writing to elected officials. Here are some tips: In the first paragraph, state your purpose for writing. Make it short and to the point. If you are writing about a certain bill, specify its number. Then, build your case ó explain why you feel as you do. Use facts, not emotional arguments to support your position. Explain the ramifications of the matter in question. If you are writing in opposition to something, say so. Explain why it is wrong, and suggest alternatives. If you admire your legislator for a particular reason, mention it in your letter. Ask your legislator his or her view on the subject. If possible, keep your letter to one page. Make it legible. Unless you have excellent handwriting, use a word processor or typewriter. Be sure to include your name and complete address (even for email correspondence). Follow this recommended format: The Honorable _____________ United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable _____________ United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 This article was first published in the July/August 1995 issue of Freedom Writer.
The Honorable _____________ United States Senate Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable _____________ United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515