Our elected officials look forward to opinions "from the grassroots". They want to keep in close touch with their voters. Letters are the best indication of what those voters are thinking. Write when your representative does something of which you approve, as well as when you want your representative to vote a particular way on a new matter. The mail gets top priority with most elected officials because every letter represents a potential vote.

DO'S

• DO write legibly
• DO be brief and to the point
• DO identify a bill by number or title if possible
• DO use your own words and your own stationery
• DO include your name and address
• DO be courteous and reasonable

• DON'T apologize for taking up your representative's time
• DON'T be rude or threatening
• DON'T be vague
• DON'T sign or send a form letter or one that's photocopied