Contacting your Representatives

Your elected officials work for you. They are influenced by ideas and information from their constituents.

How to reach your officials:

Personal visits, telephoning, writing, or emailing can all be effective. 

1. Face to face visits - lobbying your legislators is labor intensive, but very persuasive if your information is well organized and presented.  You will need to make an appointment.  State and federal legislators have offices in their home districts.

2. By phone - when time is short, a telephone call is a quick and simple way to take action.  When the receptionist answers, all you need to do is say who you are, where you live and why you are calling.  You can ask to speak with the legislator or the staff person who handles the issue.

3. By mail - Individually written letters, rather than mass generated form letters, make a greater impression.  The longer format gives you space to make a good presentation of your facts and concerns.  (Letters to federal officials may be delayed by security measures).

4. By email - Cost and time efficient.  Be sure to include your postal address.

How to “talk” so your official will listen:

1. IDENTIFY yourself and give your home address/organization.

2. DESCRIBE  the issue or bill that concerns you.  Refer to bill number if possible.

3. Tell the legislator or staff person what ACTION you want.

4. State key REASONS for your views. Keep to 1 or 2 talking points in a phone call or email.  If you are writing or lobbying in person, you can give local or personal examples as well  as counter opposition arguments. Remember that too much information may confuse your message.

 5. Limit your advocacy to ONE ISSUE.

6. Request a RESPONSE if you did not speak to your legislator.

7. Be POLITE and THANK them for their attention.

Note that your state and federal legislators have offices in their home districts as well as Albany and Washington.  Your legislator’s district office can be a valuable resource for information about current legislation.

For addresses or to send an email to your state or federal officials, click on

Take Action on the LWVUS website or

Citizen Action Tool Kit on the LWVNY website.

For local officials, click on our government page.