How to Write Your State Representative

Some things to remember when writing your Representative:

  • The best letters are handwritten, short (not more than one page), and courteous.
  • Address and open your letter properly: The Honorable (Senator’s name) or The Honorable (Representative’s Name). Address (at the state capitol). Dear Senator (Name) or Dear Representative (Name).
  • Identify yourself as a constituent (include your name and address).
  • Clearly identify the bill you are writing about (example: “State Midwifery Act, HB 315").
  • State what you want done (“I want you to vote in favor of HB 315").
  • Personalize your letter. Use your own words, and include a sentence or two about your personal experience with the issue, or a sentence or two about the local impact of the legislation in question.
  • Be sure to sign your letter.
  • Be sure to thank the legislator for their attention.
  • A postcard is also quick and effective. Identify yourself and the bill, say what you want your legislator to do, and mail it!
  • If you are a constituent, say so. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, legislators pay 10 times more attention to letters from constituents than from non-constituents.
  • Always refer to legislation (including bills, amendments, and resolutions) by number and title. Also list the sponsor, and the topic and whether you feel it should be supported or opposed.
  • State your opinion of the legislation. If you agree with the actions of the legislator, tell him/her so. If you disagree, politely ask that he/she change their stance on the issue.
  • Avoid mentioning that you "are a taxpayer," or "I am a voter." Instead say, "I am a constituent," or "I am a supporter of the legislation of (the legislators name)."

Here is a sample letter from Citizens for Midwifery Web site (http://www.cfmidwifery.org/) for how to write your Representative. Of course you will change the information according to the issues you are addressing.

Your name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
E-mail

Date

The Honorable [Senator or Representative]
Address at state capital]


Dear Senator [name] or Representative [name]:

I am writing as a concerned constituent regarding the bill legalizing the practice of Certified Professional Midwives (CPM). Passage of a Certified Professional Midwife Act will greatly improve the quality of life for my family and myself.

[Optional: a little explanation of how it affects your life]

I have researched the qualifications of CPM's and gathered information on the quality of midwifery care. These are well-trained professionals who practice in an out-of-hospital settings and provide the type of individualized care that I want for my family and myself. If this bill does not pass, not only will I be unable to have access to this type of care, but all the citizens of North Carolina will be denied access to this group of caregivers.

I am asking you to vote yes on this bill that will greatly improve the quality of life for constituents in our district.

Thank you for taking the time to read of my concerns regarding the CPM bill.


Sincerely,



[Your name]