Writing to your Representatives

[STJ]

I have never been a 'Good' writer.  It takes me a long time to usually come up with good letter and then it is 'OK' at best.  What is the recommended way to write a letter to your representatives to express your support or disapproval of a bill and or law up for vote.

Short and simple, i.e. "I am writing to ask your support of the passage of HB####.  Sincerely,  John Doe"

or a detailed letter explaning the reasons why???

Thanks

[Hazcat]

short

[jaybet]

I think it helps to explain why the bill is unfair to law abiding voters. It shows some thought behind your position.

[MikeBjerum]

"Please," "Thank You," and "I'd be willing to visit or help."

Short but informative:

1.  Executive summary - Please support, oppose, or help us pass or defeat;

2.  Brief details that support your summary;

3.  Offer for more information or discussion if they wish;

4.  Appreciation for what they do and will do in advance.

You would be amazed at the total lack of respect our representatives deal with day in and day out.  This comes not only from us and lobbyists, but from their colleges as well.  They endure not only abuse for their views, but even vulgar language on a regular basis.  I was at a hearing and listened to teachers direct language at the committee that they complained about in their classroom.

I make a point to include my thankfulness for their service and my appreciation for the tough choices they must make daily even when I don't agree with their viewpoint.  This has created a relationship that keeps me as one they don't shy away from, because even if I think they are acting like a "jackass" they know I will say it in a civil manor.

[DDMac]

M-58's formula has always worked for me (except when dealing with the VA). Anyway, the letter is almost self-writing and surprisingly effective. Mac.

[Sponsor]

[Outlaw]

If you are speaking of gun rights issues it helps to let them know you belong to an organization with XXXX number of members who will support him or her. Numbers count to politicians.

[ericire12]

Vote the bums out of office!

Take back our country! It has been hijacked!

[tombogan03884]

I have never been a 'Good' writer.  It takes me a long time to usually come up with good letter and then it is 'OK' at best.  What is the recommended way to write a letter to your representatives to express your support or disapproval of a bill and or law up for vote.

Short and simple, i.e. "I am writing to ask your support of the passage of HB####.  Sincerely,  John Doe"

or a detailed letter explaning the reasons why???

Thanks

If I'm writing to ALL the members of a commitee, I go with the short and simple, if I'm only writing to one person I usually go with M58's form, Although, my last letter to my congresswoman was "You want to give aid for fuel in May, MORE aid to college students . You are awfully generous with other peoples money." I don't think it will be well recieved

[keithm]

Are you talking about the federal level or the state?  State reps can be surprisingly accessible.  At the state level, I tend to send a letter, call them, and follow up with a visit at their offices.  Living in the state capitol makes it convenient.  I think in most states, people really don't take advantage of how accessible their legiscritters can be.  Here, even known antis will give you their ear for a few minutes.  In person, no less.

[usaf46270]

its not just about writing you reps, we better think about whos going to the white house
I know its looks bad, but I hope everyone is thinking about who will be in the white house