Tips for Writing Letters to Your Elected Representatives

Tips for Writing Letters to Your Elected Representatives
The written letter is still the most effective choice of communication with a legislative office.

1. State the purpose for your letter in the first paragraph. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.

2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.

3. Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

Addressing Correspondence:
To a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:
To a Representative:
The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:
Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:
Dear Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker: