Tips on Writing to Your Legislator (Letters, E-mail or Faxes)

Written correspondence (traditional letters and e-mail) is one of the most widely used means of communicating with legislators, and they do pay attention to their mail. A good letter can make an impact on a legislator; e-mails can also make a good impact and should follow the same style as traditional letters. Timing is important. When you want a legislator to take a position on your issue, write to him or her early, before he or she has made up her mind. Write to the legislator before there is a vote on the issue.
Keep your message brief, one page or less and cover only one topic or bill. If you wish to comment on more than one issue, send a separate message for each. Get to the point quickly and be specific about why you are writing. If you are writing about a specific bill, include the bill number and what the bill is about at the beginning of the letter. Thousands of bills are introduced each legislative session, and it is impossible for individual legislators to track them all.
Introduce yourself in your letter, and let the legislator know why you are interested or concerned about the issue. If you live in their district, be sure to mention it. Tell the legislator how the bill will affect your family, your friends, your community, your business or your job. Include specific examples if you can.
Include supporting information or one or two facts that support your position if you have them. Invite the legislator to contact you to discuss your position on the bill or issue. Request a reply if you need one. Express your appreciation for considering your position.
Use a sincere and respectful tone. Be positive. Use your own style and your own words; the legislator wants to hear what you think. Do not be argumentative, call anyone names, or make threats. Use this opportunity as a chance to "paint a picture" for the legislator of what issues and concerns are facing you and his district.

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Public Policy Public Policy News TCDD Public Policy Input Advocacy 101 Texas Legislature TCDD Public Policy Priorities Position Statements Public Information Act Federal Policy Update Sunset Review	Tips on Writing to Your Legislator (Letters, E-mail or Faxes) Written correspondence (traditional letters and e-mail) is one of the most widely used means of communicating with legislators, and they do pay attention to their mail. A good letter can make an impact on a legislator; e-mails can also make a good impact and should follow the same style as traditional letters. Timing is important. When you want a legislator to take a position on your issue, write to him or her early, before he or she has made up her mind. Write to the legislator before there is a vote on the issue. Keep your message brief, one page or less and cover only one topic or bill. If you wish to comment on more than one issue, send a separate message for each. Get to the point quickly and be specific about why you are writing. If you are writing about a specific bill, include the bill number and what the bill is about at the beginning of the letter. Thousands of bills are introduced each legislative session, and it is impossible for individual legislators to track them all. Introduce yourself in your letter, and let the legislator know why you are interested or concerned about the issue. If you live in their district, be sure to mention it. Tell the legislator how the bill will affect your family, your friends, your community, your business or your job. Include specific examples if you can. Include supporting information or one or two facts that support your position if you have them. Invite the legislator to contact you to discuss your position on the bill or issue. Request a reply if you need one. Express your appreciation for considering your position. Use a sincere and respectful tone. Be positive. Use your own style and your own words; the legislator wants to hear what you think. Do not be argumentative, call anyone names, or make threats. Use this opportunity as a chance to "paint a picture" for the legislator of what issues and concerns are facing you and his district.
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