2. Be brief. Try to keep your letter to one page
3. Be courteous,but make your point and don't be to apologetic. If you're angry or feel
strongly, you can let it show, but be polite.
4. State your specific purpose or position in the first paragraph of the letter.
5. Refer to specific legislation by number and title.
6. Mention whether you are a constituent, or identify another connection with the recpient's
district.
7. State why you support or oppose a particular measure. Don't concede the other side's
points, even if you agree with some.
8. Personalize your letter. If you must use a form letter, type or write it over yourself.
9. Before sending an e-mail letter in response to a legislative issue, call the legislator's
office and ask his or her staff if e-mail from constituents is given any credence by that
paticular legislator. Use normal rules of etiquette for sending e-mail.
10. Your letter may be read by an office staff member, who will report to the legislator the
volume of correspondence and it's general content. These people may deal with many
issues, and huge amonts of correspondence. It is important for your letter to be concise
and clear.
