Tips on Contacting Legislators

A personal letter or e-mail message is the most effective way of contacting your legislator.

Following are some suggestions to make your correspondence noteworthy.

Address it properly. Know the correct spelling of the legislator's full name.

U.S. Senator
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senator
Address
Dear Senator (last name):

U.S. Representative
The Honorable (full name)
United States Representative
Address
Dear Congressman/woman (last name):

State Senator
The Honorable (full name)
State Senator
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Dear Senator (last name):

State Representative
The Honorable (full name)
State Representative
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Dear Representative (last name):

Always include last name and address on the letter.

Legislators can't respond if there isn't a return address or if the signature isn't legible.

Use your own words.

Avoid form letters and petitions as they often prompt form replies. However, a petition can be an effective way to let the legislator know that the issue is of concern to a large number of people. Make sure that addresses and zip codes are included with each petition signature. One thoughtful, factual and well-reasoned letter will carry more weight than a multitude of form letters or printed postcards.

Time arrival of the letter.

If possible, correspond with the legislator while the Bill is still in committee. An ill-timed letter or e-mail may arrive after the Bill is out of committee or has gone to the full Senate or House for a vote.

Understand the issue.

Identify the Bill or issue of concern. Thousands of bills and resolutions are introduced each session. If you don't have the bill number, describe it by popular title, like "the Whistleblower's Act."

Be brief.

Many issues are complex. Most legislators prefer and welcome a single, well-written page presenting opinions, facts, arguments or proposals.

State reasons for taking position.

Explain how the issue would affect you or people or things you care about. Share specialized knowledge as the legislator can use expert arguments for or against a Bill.

Be constructive.

If you believe pending legislation is endorsing the wrong approach, explain what you believe to be the right approach.

Prioritize concerns.

Groups and individuals should prioritize their concerns and contact legislators on specific issues rather than every issue. A person who writes frequently on every subject becomes a nuisance rather than an intelligent voice of concern.

Don't expect a detailed response.

You may not always receive a detailed response to your letter. Legislators are extremely busy and can't respond with long, personal replies to each correspondent.

Write a letter of appreciation.

Legislators seldom receive letters of encouragement or support. Even a few letters to one legislator can have a significant impact.