Letter, Fax, Phone, or Email
The suggestions below will help you choose the form of contact for elected officials.
Letter
A typed or handwritten letter carries the most weight with any official. You may copy and paste into your message any of our resources or statements.
Fax
Faxes are somewhat less personal, and in some cases, less readable. However, for issues that require an immediate response, they can be more timely and convenient.
Telephone
When you need to get in touch with an official immediately and you don’t have time to write a letter, the best way to communicate your thoughts is by telephone. A telephone call shows that you care enough to spend the time to talk. If you can actually speak with the official, telephone conversations offer an unparalleled opportunity for giving a short, personal message and for receiving a response. If you write a letter, you may want to follow up your letter with a phone call to emphasize specific concerns of your letter.
Email
Emails require less commitment from the sender. Officials are aware of this when they read emails. Emails offer convenience and timeliness for issues that require an immediate response. Be sure to include your address, so your official knows you are a constituent. Send your email “receipt requested” so you know when the office received your email. Use a simple text font that is easily read.
Complete contact information for elected officials is available on our Finding Elected Officials page.
Letter
A typed or handwritten letter carries the most weight with any official. You may copy and paste into your message any of our resources or statements.
Fax
Faxes are somewhat less personal, and in some cases, less readable. However, for issues that require an immediate response, they can be more timely and convenient.
Telephone
When you need to get in touch with an official immediately and you don’t have time to write a letter, the best way to communicate your thoughts is by telephone. A telephone call shows that you care enough to spend the time to talk. If you can actually speak with the official, telephone conversations offer an unparalleled opportunity for giving a short, personal message and for receiving a response. If you write a letter, you may want to follow up your letter with a phone call to emphasize specific concerns of your letter.
Emails require less commitment from the sender. Officials are aware of this when they read emails. Emails offer convenience and timeliness for issues that require an immediate response. Be sure to include your address, so your official knows you are a constituent. Send your email “receipt requested” so you know when the office received your email. Use a simple text font that is easily read.
Complete contact information for elected officials is available on our Finding Elected Officials page.