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Legislators love to hear about issues that matter to their constituents. They deal with hundreds of proposed pieces of legislation a year, and can't be expected to know that a proposed law is important to you unless you tell them.
When Contacting Legislators by Phone:
- Identify yourself by name and home address.
- Identify the bill you wish to talk about, by name and number by possible.
- Briefly state your position and how you wish your legislator to vote.
- Ask for your legislator's stance on the bill or issue. Ask for a commitment to vote for your position, but don't argue if the legislator has an opposing view or is not yet decided.
- If your legislator needs additional information, call a supporting organization to get the information and get it to your legislator as soon as possible.
- Recognize that legislators are often away from the office, on the floor or in committee, so you may get an aide or be asked to leave a voice mail message. That's great. Use the same basic rules. If you'd rather leave a message than talk to a live body, call in the evening.
When Contacting Legislators by Letter/FAX/Email:
- Make clear your position and exactly what you want your legislator to do.
- Personalize your communication by telling how the legislation will affect you and others you know in your own words. Write briefly, on one subject at a time, and refer to your bills by name and number.
- Sign your letter with your name and home address so that your legislator knows if you are a constituent. Also include your phone number.
- When a legislator votes as you asked, send a thank you note.
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