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Tips on Writing Your Elected Officials
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Communicating With Elected Officials

Sample Letter to Elected Official

Your communications are addressed by elected representatives and are very effective. Your Senator/Congressman wants to hear from you. Legislators tire of hearing from lobbyists only. As a result, one simple letter can have a very large impact. Here are some suggestions on how to make your letter most effective.


  1. Address it properly

    For Congress:

    U. S. Representative ________________
    U. S. House of Representatives
    Washington, DC 20515
    Senator ________________
    United States Senate
    Washington, DC 20510

    For State Senate, Delegate, or Assembly Members: Write them at your State Capitol.

    For Local Officials: Write them care of their city, town, or county government addresses which can be found in your local phone book.

  2. Be brief -- Five one-page letters will have more impact than one five-page letter.
  3. Write clearly -- Legislators do not have the time to decipher illegible handwriting.
  4. Identify yourself -- Be sure to mention the state, congressional or legislative district, city or county in which you are a voter. Mention that you are a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen as well.
  5. Be specific -- When writing about legislation, use the bill number (H.B. 10, S.B. 100) or the title (the Labor Law Reform bill; the White tax reform measure) if you know them. If not, briefly describe the issue that concerns you.
  6. Be timely -- Write when the issue is current; not after a key vote has been taken.
  7. Write on one issue only -- Keep it to the point.
  8. Explain your position -- It does not take an expert to predict the impact of legislation. As a worker, a taxpayer or a consumer, say in your own words how the bill or amendment will affect you. Don't forget that a bill can change as it moves through the legislative process, so urge your Legislator to oppose crippling amendments or support strengthening ones.
  9. Be truthful -- Take time to find the correct facts and figures. Simple facts will achieve the greatest success.
  10. Make it friendly -- Being a legislator is sometimes a lonely and thankless job. Your legislator needs your support and suggestions. When your legislator has done something of which you approve, write a letter of appreciation.
  11. Use personal experience -- A brief statement of personal experience is always very effective.
  12. Support added costs -- Tell the legislator that you would accept and additional taxation that would support expanded programs.
  13. If you don't like what your legislator is proposing, offer a positive and specific alternative -- Propose alternatives or amendments.
  14. Other suggestions for writing letters -- Never use threats, profanity or insults; never write a form letter or postcard; never misspell your legislator's name.
  15. Finally, Ask for a Response -- Urge your Legislator to take action -- support or oppose a bill, co-sponsor an amendment, or whatever action you would like taken. Request a reply to your letter. This information will be helpful to the lobbying efforts of your local or national union, central labor council and state or national AFL-CIO. Request (don't demand) a reply to your letter.