Public Officials Directory

Letters may be formal or informal, typewritten or handwritten. Letters are read and they elicit responses. If you write to an elected official who does not represent you, you should expect your letter to be referred to your actual representative. At the federal level, letters are often screened for security purposes. As a result, you should plan to wait a longer period of time for a response.

Depending on the official, email can be an effective way to communicate when issues are time sensitive. Keep the message short and to one screen, and always provide your complete contact information. Many elected officials require to you use an online submission form from their website to communicate via email. This process has its advantages as it is easier for the office to track the email and ensure it has been received and reviewed.

Phone calls are appropriate, especially when there is not enough time to write a letter or visit your official prior to a vote. A call is best used to ask an official to support or oppose a particular bill before a public hearing or committee/floor vote. Make phone calls sparingly.

Call in advance to set up an appointment and explain the reason for your visit. Some offices also allow you to request a meeting through the elected official’s website. Ensure you understand the official’s position on a particular issue. Consider inviting other individuals from like companies with similar concerns to participate in the meeting. You should also be open to meeting with a key member of an elected official’s staff if the principal is not available. Developing relationships with legislative staff members is an important part of the advocacy process.