Fundamental DO's & DON'Ts When Contacting Elected Officials
The Fundamental Do's

DO address your senator or representative properly.
DO write legibly.
DO be brief and to the point.
DO identify the bill number if you can.
DO identify yourself and explain your connection to the issue.
DO be courteous and reasonable.
DO write if you have a question or problem dealing with procedures of governmental departments.
DO write to say you approve, not just to complain or oppose. And send a follow-up thank you letter when the legislator supports your issue.
DO include pertinent editorials from local papers.
DO write early in the session, before bills are introduced, if you have ideas you would like to see incorporated in legislation.
DO write the chair or members of a committee that will hear a bill if you have facts you think might influence their thinking. Send a copy to your own legislator with a short personal note.

The Fundamental Don't's

DON'T begin on the righteous note of "As a citizen and taxpayer…". Your legislator assumes this.
DON'T apologize for taking his or her time. Just be brief and to the point.
DON'T say, "I hope this gets by your secretary." This irritates office staff.
DON'T be rude or threatening.
DON'T be vague.
DON'T write to a member from another district just because you disagree politically with your own legislators. However, it is fine to write to the members of an entire committee - see DO's.

Suggestions by the League of Women Voters