This about writing to your Congressman, but it applies to any politician. Most of the advice is pretty good, although I would disagree with the author’s claim that e-mail is best for non-urgent and/or less important issues. E-mail can be just as effective as a letter; just use the same rules. As someone who has worked in a legislator’s office, I have seem some ridiculous letters (and kept copies of the most ridiculous ones), so let me offer some advice from someone who has received mail rather than sent it.
1. If you are writing about a specific piece of legislation, please include the bill number or the bill’s author. It doesn’t help anyone if it can’t be determined what legislation you want action on.
2. If you are not writing about legislation, clearly state your problem or need, so that the proper state or local agency can be directed to address it.
3. Do not send a handwritten letter (unless you’re in prison and they don’t give you computer access - yeah, I’ve seen those), because inevitably they are difficult to read.
4. Be polite. Even if you’re writing to disagree, be civil and state your case calmly (don’t type in all caps); it at least guarantees that you’ll be taken more seriously.
