Writing Effective Letters to State Legislators

Writing to your state legislators is an efficient and effective way of letting them know what you think about issues or bills. It can even be fun!

Below you will find a sample letter to a legislator. Use it as a guideline, but remember that a personal letter - one that tells your representative or senator how you feel about a particular issue - has great impact. An elected official usually counts one personal letter from a constituent as representative of many other voters!

Letter Writing Tips

Sample Letter

  1. Include your name, address, and date your letter....

    Ms. Jane Q. Public
    1 Main Street Anywhere, IA 55555

    January 1, 1998

  2. Address the letter properly....

    The Honorable ______________________________.
    Iowa State Capitol
    Des Moines, IA 50319

    Re: House/Senate File #____________

    Dear Representative/Senator __________________:

  3. Identify yourself....

    I am a registered voter in your district. I am writing to you about House/Senate File #____________, which would ... (short synopsis of the bill).

  4. State your position....

    I am strongly opposed to/in favor of this bill and ask you to vote against/for House/Senate File #_______________.

  5. State your interest....

    If the bill passes/is defeated, it will affect me (or someone I know) by ... (short synopsis of the impact).

  6. Ask for a response....

    Please let me know your position on House/Senate File #________.
    Thank you for your time and consideration.

  7. Sign your name....

    Sincerely,

    Jane Public