How To Write Your Senator Is Simply Done

How to write your senator is not a hard thing to do. Our elected officials are most happy to hear from the public on matters of concern. One important fact to keep in mind is that our Senators receive hundreds of pieces of mail per day. This doesn't take into account the number of e-mails that they also receive. When writing them, it is no wonder that senators and representatives alike, have a staff that works just with mailings.

There are a number of things that you can do to get your letter or e-mail noticed a bit sooner than the others. It is significantly important that you try to contact a senator from your state. Sending mailings out to all senators rarely achieve any results and many are often ignored. Your computer or local library can supply you with a name and address for your local representative or senator. Regardless of the manner in which you choose to write, the full address of the senator should be included in your communication.

Do not ramble on about every possible problem that you feel your state or county has. Be specific and work with one topic only. If you have other concerns, keep them aside to put in another communication.

Our elected officials should not be expected to join our pity party and our concerns should not be worded in a way to make them feel this is our aim. State your concern clearly and and any effect it may have on you or other residents of your area. Suggest possible solutions such as the alteration of some public policies. Writing in this manner will insure that your letter will be read with the same amount of interest that you wrote it.

Our elected officials may feel for us, but there is no room for emotion in writing them. Stick to the facts of the matter and be concise and specific. Information regarding the effect your concern has on you and others is mandatory if you want to be taken seriously. In closing, you may ask for intervention based upon the action you feel should be taken such as voting for or against a bill or a change in public policy.

Respect and courtesy will gain points in your letter and the fewer words you can write to explain your issue the better. A single page is more than sufficient in most cases. If you have evidence to support your claim this should be included as well. Never be foolish enough to send threatening mail, unless of course you are readily available for a visit from the Secret Service.

Be patient when expecting a reply from an elected official. Matters are handled on a triage basis with priority matters receiving the most prompt attention. In due time you will receive a letter of response and all the profanity in the world will not make it happen quicker. A degree of respect should be afforded those in office whether they got our vote or not. The performance of their duties often calls for long and grueling hours. - 39468