A persuasive letter, addressed to a senator or representative, that is worded properly and which contains correct facts, is most likely to get noticed. Such a letter holds the power to make the necessary impact in policy-making. The samples given here will help understand you how to write a letter to a senator or representative.
Affiliating Yourself with a Group
A letter addressed to a senator or representative generally contains the problems faced by an individual or the community as a whole. If, in the letter, you mention that you are affiliated to a certain pressure group, organization, political party, etc., your letter may not get the desired response or attention.
A letter addressed to a senator or representative is written to make one’s voice heard. One shouldn’t consider writing a letter about issues and problems a futile activity. In fact, there is no easier way than writing a letter for citizens to put forth their grievances before their representatives. It is just that you need to have the patience to wait for the response.
Letters written to representatives provide a medium through which citizens can complain about the problems faced by them. They can inform their representatives about these problems, and push for the reforms or changes that they wish to bring about in the society or surroundings. One should be very particular about the facts and figures that are presented through such letters.
Writing a Letter to Your Representative or Senator
Sample Letter 1: Writing to a Senator
| [Date]
[Your Name] To, The Honorable Senator [Name of Senator] RE: Issue of Illegal Immigrants. Dear Senator [Name of Senator], I am writing to you about the debate in the Senate over proposals dealing with the problem of illegal immigrants in our country. The issue of illegal immigrants is a serious one. Allowing entry to these undocumented workers in our country has led to several socioeconomic problems. It is observed that illegal immigrants threaten to disrupt the smooth functioning of commerce and business in our country, through strikes. Legally speaking, they have no right to make demands upon our government. As a citizen of this country, I do have the right to make the request to my government to speak about this serious problem. I urge you to protect our country by taking a firm stand on this issue. Please do what you can, in your capacity, to make sure this important issue gets the attention it deserves. I really feel the problem should be acted upon urgently, and dealt with a firm hand. Sincerely, [Signature] [Your Name] |
Sample Letter 2: Writing to a Representative
| [Date] [Your Name] To, The Honorable Representative [Name of Representative] RE: Alcoholism in teenagers. Dear Representative [Name of Representative], The legislation addressing alcoholism in teenagers interests me, because I have seen my own son getting addicted to alcohol. Fortunately, he recovered and got over this habit. This issue has directly impacted me and my family a great deal, and therefore, I feel about it strongly. I am primarily concerned about rising alcoholism in school and college students, because they are most vulnerable to this problem. This habit can lead teenagers into developing other bad habits as well, including drug addiction. I have read reports in the newspapers about the stand you have taken on the issue of teenage alcoholism. Your clear opinion on this matter is being eagerly awaited. I am awaiting your reply regarding your opinions. Thank you for taking the time out to read this. I am hopeful this important issue receives due attention. It would be a great success if concrete steps are taken through the bill you endorse, to curb the menace of alcoholism in teenagers. Sincerely, [Signature] [Your Name] |
Tips to Write the Letter
Consider the following points before you write a letter to your representative or senator.
- The senator should be addressed as The Honorable Senator or Hon. Sen. (abbreviated form).
- Use a courteous tone in your letter. Keep your letter short and direct. Writing a concise letter saves the reader’s time, and puts your message across in an effective manner.
- It is advisable to send a typewritten letter instead of a handwritten one. However, if you wish to send a handwritten one, make sure it is legible and neat.
- If you want to address a specific bill, you must mention it correctly in the letter. The ‘Thomas Legislative Information System’ should provide you with details pertaining to bills.
- Websites like senate.gov will help you find the mailing address of your senator.
Senators are very busy people, and they do not personally read or respond to letters. Therefore, you need to be patient and pursue your cause without getting discouraged. One should not send ‘form letters’, because they are likely to get ignored. You never know, your letter could bring about the change you desire.
