HOW TO WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS
Write on personal or business stationery
The contents must be legible, particularly your name and address
Always put your return address on the letter - envelopes can be thrown away
Address your letter as follows:
The Honorable _________
West Virginia State Senate (House of Delegates)
State Capitol Building
Charleston, WV 25305
Dear Senator (Delegate)
State the name of the legislation you are writing about in the first sentence
In your opening sentence, specify the issue which has prompted you to write.
If you are writing during the regular session, identify the legislation by House or Senate bill number.
Briefly explain and highlight your point for writing
Use your own personal experience in making your argument - how the issue affects you, your family, your business, etc.
Give your own views, not someone else's.
Be constructive
If a bill deals with a problem you admit exists, hut you believe it is the wrong approach, tell you legislator what the right approach is if you have expert knowledge share it.
Avoid form letters and key phrases that indicate "coaching"
A personal letter is much better than a form letter or signed petition.
Concentrate on your own delegation
Your opinions are of most concern to your Senators and Delegate (their constituent).
Never threaten
Never threaten or promise to defeat a legislator in the next election. Such assertions rarely intimidate a conscientious legislator and may generate an adverse reaction.
A better approach, would be to explain why you feel so strongly about the issue for the
reasons may change the legislator's mind whereas a threat probably will not.
Request a reply
Ask for a response that indicates his/her position on the issue or legislation. As a constituent, it is your right to request such information
Follow-up
Thank you letters are remembered - since legislators get so few, yours will be remembered.
If he/she votes contrary to your position, let him/her Snow - this will also be remembered.