Concerned Bikers Association/A.B.A.T.E. of North Carolina, Inc.

Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of North Carolina, Inc.
Freedom is NOT a spectator sport!

How and When to Write Your Legislators

Because legislators at all levels of government make voting decisions that affect you and your families, it is important you explain your position before they vote. The best way to defend yourself against interest groups who lobby with their own interests in mind and not yours is by writing representatives. The sample letter and hints for writing effective letters on this page may be of help to you when you want to make your opinion know to elected officials. REMEMBER, you must be a registered voter in order for your opinion to count. They will check.

1. Address it properly.

For Congress: Representative_________ Senator ___________

U.S. House of Representatives United States Senate

Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510

For State Senate, Delegate or Assembly members:

Write them care of your State Capitol.

For Local Officials: Write them care of their city, town or county government addresses which can be found in your telephone book or by the link located on our “LINKS” page

2. Identify yourself.

Be sure to mention the state, congressional or legislative district, city or county in which you are a voter. Mention any local union affiliations as well.

3. Be specific.

When writing about legislation, use the bill number (H.R. xx, S. xx) or the title (ex. Labor Law Reform bill); if you know them. If not, briefly describe the issue that concerns you.

4. Be timely.

Write when the issue is current, not after a key vote has been taken.

5. Explain your position.

It doesn’t take an expert to predict the impact of legislation. As a worker, a taxpayer, or a consumer, say in your own words, how the bill or amendment will affect you. Don’t forget that a bill can change as it moves through the legislative process. So urge your legislator to oppose crippling amendments or support strengthening ones.

6. Ask for a response.

Urge your legislator to take action-support or oppose a bill, co-sponsor an amendment or whatever action you would like taken. Request (don’t demand) a reply to your letter. This information will be helpful to lobbying efforts.

SAMPLE LETTER

DATE

(1) Honorable (John Doe)

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman (Jones),

(2) I am a registered voter in (your city, your district). I am writing about (3) H.R. xx, the (name of bill or description), sponsored by Congressman (Smith). The House of Representatives is supposed to vote on H.R. xx next week. (4)

(5) As a taxpayer, I (state your position clearly in your own words). Be reasonable and don’t threaten. Do not ask for the impossible. Keep this brief and to the point.

(6) I hope you will support (or oppose) the (describe bill) in its current form and (oppose or support) all crippling amendments. I would appreciate a response indicating your position on this bill.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Your Address

Your City, State and Zip

Phone Number is possible

SAMPLE LETTER TO LEGISLATOR

The Honorable (Legislator's Name)

House of Representatives

North Carolina General Assembly

Raleigh, NC 27601-1096

RE: Bill Topic, Number

Dear Senator/Assembly Member (Legislator's last name):

(Explain your title in your profession and/or area of expertise if it applies).

I am writing to you in (support/opposition) of (bill number and subject). As a constituent in your district, I thought I should bring the (positive/negative) effects of this bill to your attention.

If passed, (bill number) will (explain positive/negative effects the bill will have on you/your community, your profession, your services, etc., and why you believe your legislator should support/oppose it).

I thank you for taking the time to consider my opinion on this matter. I hope that my expressed concern will make a difference in your decision.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Address)

(City/State/Zip)

(Telephone - include area code)

SAMPLE LETTER TO GOVERNOR

The Honorable Mike Easley

Office of the Governor

20301 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-0301

RE: Bill Topic and number

Dear Governor Easley:

I am writing to you in a last effort to in form you why you should sign/not sign (bill number and subject).

At this moment, (bill number) is on your desk waiting for your signature. If this bill is passed, it will have the following effect (explain positive/negative effects bill will have on you/your community, your profession, your services, etc., and why the governor should support/oppose it).

I am asking you to give serious thought to my position on bill (number) and to consider the (positive/negative) effects I have just summarized. Your decision will be one of important significance to our society.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Address)

(City/State/Zip)

(Telephone - include area code)

Other tips to keep in mind:

Be Brief—Write about one bill or issue at a time. Don’t drag on or write a laundry list of legislative problems. A one-page letter will surely be read and is always the most effective.

Be Legible – If it is a handwritten letter, you might write a draft first and then make a second copy that is neater and shorter. Make it easy to read, whether handwritten or typed.

Be Polite – Don’t be threatening, demanding or abusive. That is an immediate trip to the wastebasket.

Don’t be a Pen Pal – Write on selected issues. Quality, not quantity, is what counts. Do not wear out your own welcome.

Like the “right to vote”, you have the “right to write.” Legislators speak for you. You elected them, so you should tell them what you think. Send them a message. Then the next time they vote, they can’t say they did not hear from the constituents.

Finally…..write it and the mail it!! Once you’ve taken the time to write a letter don’t forget to MAIL IT RIGHT AWAY. Remember, the timeliness of your communication is as important as what you’ve written.

SPECIAL NOTE: In these tragic days of anthrax and other threats, it is sometimes better to email the letter. If it is important enough…..I send it by courier. That really gets their attention although it is expensive….