How to Write a Letter to Your Elected Officials

Want to Tell Your Representative What You Think? Here's How.

Ever wished you could make your voice heard? Writing a letter to your elected official is a great way to do just that! It’s like sending a message straight to the people who make decisions that affect your life. This guide will walk you through it, step by step.

1. Find Your People

First, you need to know who to write to. Sounds easy, right? But it's important! Your local, state, and federal representatives all handle different things. Here's how to find them:

• Federal (U.S. Representatives & Senators): Check out house.gov or senate.gov. Use their search – just enter your zip code.
• State (State Representatives & Senators): Your state's website has a similar search tool.
• Local (City Council, Mayor): Look on your city or county government website.

Tip: Depending on the issue, contacting all relevant officials might be a good idea.

2. Gather Your Stuff

Now that you know who to write, gather your info. This makes your letter clear and effective:

• The Problem: What exactly are you writing about? Be specific!
• Proof: Got facts, numbers, news articles, or even a personal story? Include them! They add weight to your argument.
• What You Want: What change are you hoping for? Be clear about your goal.
• Your Connection: How does this issue affect you, your neighbors, or others? Personal stories really grab attention.

3. Structure Your Letter

A well-organized letter gets read. Think of it like this:

1. Heading: Your name and address, the date, and your representative's name and address.
2. Greeting: "Dear Representative [Last Name]," or "Dear Senator [Last Name]," works well.
3. Intro: Briefly say who you are and what the letter's about. Get right to the point in the first paragraph.
4. Body: Explain your points one by one, using examples. Each paragraph should have one main idea.
5. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and say again what you want your representative to do.
6. Closing: "Sincerely," or "Respectfully," followed by your typed name and signature.

4. Write a Great Letter

Here's how to write a letter that makes a difference:

• Keep it Short and Simple: No jargon! Get straight to the point. Easy to read is key.
• Be Nice: Be polite and respectful, even if you disagree. A respectful tone works much better.
• Suggest Solutions: Don't just complain; offer ideas for how to fix the problem.
• Check Your Spelling: Typos make you look less credible. Proofread carefully!
• Make it Personal: Connect your own experience to the issue. This makes your letter more memorable.

5. Send It Off!

Mail, email, or fax? Check your representative's website to see what they prefer. A physical letter can feel more personal, but email is fast and convenient. Consider how urgent the issue is.

6. Follow Up (Maybe)

You could follow up to make sure they got your letter. A quick email or phone call is fine. Be polite and persistent, but understand they're busy people.

7. Other Ways to Make Your Voice Heard

Writing a letter is just one way! Try these too:

• Join groups: Strength in numbers!
• Go to town halls: Talk to your representative face-to-face.
• Donate to causes: Support groups that work on issues you care about.
• Stay involved: Keep up with current events and contact your representatives regularly.

8. Why Bother?

Writing a letter is a big deal. It's how we participate in democracy. Your voice matters! A well-written letter can really make a difference.

9. Need More Info?

Want to learn more about getting involved? Check out:

• Your library
• Non-profit groups
• Government websites

Writing a letter to your representative is easy and powerful. Be clear, respectful, and persistent, and you can help make a real difference in your community.