Writing to Legislators
Legislators themselves usually see letters but do not always read them carefully. They are often more concerned about the number of letters they receive on a particular issue. Members of the legislators' staffs are the ones who are more likely to read and respond to constituent letters.

Legislative staffs are usually small, and therefore any number of letters, especially on the same topic, will have an influence.

• Deal with only one issue or one piece of legislation at a time.
• Keep it simple. Get directly to the point. It is useless to write long explanations or to try to impart knowledge to the letter reader unless it is requested. The main thing that the reader will look for is your issue and stand on that issue.
• Avoid long personal stories except in very unusual circumstances.
• Avoid poor grammar and spelling. Have someone proofread the letter if you can.
• Ask the legislator to take some action on the issue and ask for a response.
• Be respectful no matter how much you might disagree with the legislator.
• Paragraph A (no more than three lines): "To introduce myself: I am a housewife (or a student, or a 50-year resident, or whatever).
• Paragraph B (one or two lines): "I am writing regarding the _____ issue" (or, list a bill number, if known).
• Paragraph C (no more than 5 lines—and this paragraph is not even necessary): explanation of the letter writer's stand and perhaps why.
• Paragraph D (one line): "I hope you will vote ____ on this issue," or "take such and such an action on this issue," or "I hope you will lead the effort in passing the bill." Include your name, address, and phone number.