How to Contact Your Representative
Call. Email. Write. Meet. Make sure to call representatives from all parties – not just the ones that would normally agree with your views
1. Introduce Yourself
Hello! My name is (name) and I am from (city, state).
OR
Hi! My name is (name) and I am a constituent from (county/zip code).
2. Ask for the Right Office
I am calling to speak to Representative/Senator (name), or someone from their office.
3. Make Your Ask
I want to urge (representative) to support / oppose (issue) because (reason).
Tips:
- Have 2–3 reasons ready
- Do your research beforehand
- Share a personal story if relevant
- Be specific about what action you want taken
Examples:
I am personally impacted by this issue because (reason). This issue is being discussed in (bill number), and I would like the representative to vote FOR / AGAINST it.
4. Request a Meeting
I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this further. Could someone help me set that up? When would I be able to come in and meet?
Confirm Details:
That works for me. Can you confirm the date, time, and location?
If Virtual:
Could you please confirm the date, time, and meeting link?
5. Say Goodbye + Ask for Follow-Up
Could someone send me a follow-up email about the representative’s stance? Thank you so much for your time. I appreciate you listening. I hope to hear back soon.
Reminder:
Be polite, respectful, and thankful.
Dear Representative/Senator (Name),
My name is (name), and I am a constituent from (city, state / zip code / county).
I am writing to request that you support / oppose (bill number or issue), which concerns (brief summary).
This issue is important to me because (reason).
I am personally impacted by this issue because (short story), or I have seen this affect people in my community.
If possible, I would also like to schedule a meeting to discuss this further. I am available on (days/times), but I am happy to work around your schedule.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
(Your Full Name)
(Email)
(Phone Number – optional)
Email Tips
- Be concise
- Introduce yourself
- State the issue clearly
- Make a specific ask
- Thank them
- End politely
What to Expect
Response times vary depending on the office. If the issue is not urgent, a good rule of thumb is to follow up after two weeks if you have not received a response. If they reply, thank them for their time and answer any additional questions.
Follow-Up Email Template
Dear [Official’s Title] [Last Name],
Hello my name is (name), and I wish to follow up on (subject).
This is an issue I care about because (follow up subject).
OR
I would like to ask a question regarding my first message about (subject).
Thank you for your time (official’s title and last name), and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization, if applicable]
[Your Contact Information]