Contact Your Legislators
Write to your legislators
It is important that your legislators hear from you and know that education is a priority. Legislators pay attention to their mail (regular and e-mail). Legislators know your vote can be won or lost by their response. If you are unsure about how to write a letter to your legislator please review the tips below or contact us for more assistance. Handwritten letters are always the best way to go, but there are other options:
- Use our online email tool to contact your legislator today.
- Access our Excel spreadsheet to write a letter to candidates running for the General Assembly in the 2008 primary elections.
- Contact us to get pre-printed postcards and arrange a postcard signing day at your school, workplace or in your community.
Here are a few tips for writing to your legislator:
- Handwritten letters are best – it clearly identifies that the letter was not mass-produced. But if you do handwrite, take care to write legibly. If you type, make sure to sign your letter, and perhaps add a short handwritten note at the end.
- In a short paragraph, state your purpose. Stick with one subject or issue. Support your position with the rest of the letter.
- If your letter is referencing a bill, cite it by name and number.
- Be factual and support your position with information about how legislation is likely to affect you and others. Avoid emotional, philosophical arguments. Don’t insult legislators.
- Ask for the legislator's views, but do not demand support. Remember, Senators and Representatives respond to a variety of views, and even if they do not support you position on one issue or bill, they may support it the next time.
- Ask for a response.
- In both a letter and email, make sure your name and address are legible. Legislators want to know that you are one of their constituents.
- If writing a letter, the suggested style is:
The Honorable ____________________
[Address….]
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Senator/Representative _____________________
Begin e-mail by Dear Representative ____________ or Dear Senator _____________