• Use the correct address and salutation (i.e., Dear Senator last name, or Dear Representative last name, or Dear Governor last name).  While the legislature is in session, send letters to Senate or House offices.
• Be sure to include your home address in the letter so the legislator knows you are from their district.
• Use your own words and stationary rather than form letters or postcards.  Personal letters will carry greater weight.  In addition, write legibly or type--your letter could be discarded if it is not easy to read.
• Be brief and clear.  Write about one issue per letter.  Letters should be no longer than one page.
• In the first sentence: give the popular name of the bill and the House or Senate file number (bill number) if you know it, or specifically describe the issue you are writing about.  Tell your legislator how you want them to vote.
• Be specific.  If possible, give an example of how the issue affects your district.  Call for a specific action and ask for a response.
• Be timely.  Make sure your legislator will have sufficient time to consider your request.
• Know your facts. Inaccurate or misleading information will hurt your credibility.
• Be polite in your requests for support or opposition.  Never express anger, make demands, or threaten defeat at the next election.  You will want to have future contact with the legislator.
• Be constructive.  Explain an alternative or better solution to the problem and offer to be a resource on the issue.
• Send a note of appreciation when your elected official supports your issue.  When he or she does not support your issue, explain why you think a different decision should have been made. &nsbp;It might make the difference the next time.

Questions? Comments? Contact Josh Winters at josh@mncn.org