Write to Your Elected Officials

Personal correspondence is considered to be the most effective and persuasive way to communicate with your elected officials. When elected officials receive numerous letters and emails on a specific issue, it does influence their vote. Email is now the preferred way to contact most elected officials. 

The following suggestions will help you to write a great email or letter to your elected official:

• Clearly state the purpose of your email in the subject line. The subject line is an important part of your message, so be sure to use it to your best advantage. Keep it short and concise. If your subject looks like SPAM, revise it.
• Be sure to address the letter appropriately. Members of Congress and elected officials are referred to as “The Honorable” in the address line. The salutation should be “Dear Senator” or “Dear Representative.”
• Keep your letter short and concise. Limit your letter to one issue and one page.
• Include your full name and address to show that you are a constituent. If you have previously met the elected official, personalize your letter by briefly describing when and where that occurred.
• Be specific. Clearly describe the issue you are writing about and request a specific action you want your elected official to take. Focus on your main issue with three strong points to support your argument. It’s helpful to use statistics and facts to support your position.
• Cite a specific bill number and its principal sponsors if applicable. You can ask your elected official to vote for a particular bill or amendment, request a hearing or co-sponsor a bill.
• Use your own thoughts and words to write a personal letter. Form letters are less effective. Tell your elected official why the issue matters to you and how it affects you and your community.
• Ask for a reply from the elected official, and include your name and address on your letter for this purpose. Request that the elected official explains his or her position and what they plan to do about the legislation you are writing about.
• Follow up. Thank an elected official for his or her response to your original letter, or thank elected officials when they vote the way you want. You can also respond to let them know you disapprove of the way they voted on a particular bill.
• If you mail your letter - particularly for local elected officials – be sure to mail the letter directly to wherever the legislative session is held. If the legislature is not in session, send the letter to the elected official’s home office address.

Contact Your Elected Officials

Pennsylvania
​Find and write to your Governor
Find and write to your State Senator and State Representative

US Senators and House of Representatives
Find and write to your Senator 
Find and write to your House Representative