Making Your Voice Heard
A letter is the most popular choice of communication with a legislative office. For most lawmakers, they are the only real communication a legislator has with those he represents. A legislator wants to know why some one is for or against a proposed law if he is to do his job to the best of his ability. It exemplifies the vitality of one of our most cherished rights the right of free speech and opinion.
Legislators welcome letters from people interested in proposals before them. Laws have been passed or killed on the basis of a single well-written letter. One thoughtful, factual well-reasoned letter carries more weight than 100 form letters or printed postcards.
Writing to a member of Congress
- Use personal or business stationery with a return address.
- Inform the Member that you are a constituent
- The purpose of your letter should be clearly stated in the first paragraph.
- When the letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it.
- Be factual and direct. Making your point in one page is desirable.
- Whenever possible, include data and sources of information to support your position.
- Spell your legislator's full name correctly.
- Address only one issue in each letter.
- Be sincere and courteous always.
- Write a letter of appreciation whenever your legislator does something that meets your approval.
- Do not use form letters or printed post cards.
- Do not be wordy
- Do not use threats
- Do not write letters of criticism or request only.
Recommended forms of salutation
State Senator:
The Honorable_________________
State House
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Dear Senator_____________
United States Senator:
The Honorable_________________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator_____________
State Representative:
The Honorable_________________
State House
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Dear Representative______
United States Congressman:
The Honorable_________________
United States House of Representative
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman_________