Writing to Legislators

Letters are an important, even critical, way to influence legislation. You can mail, fax or e-mail your letter. Letters to your own senator or representative are especially important. You have two state legislators (one senator and one representative). To identify your legislators, click here http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/default.aspx or call your county clerk.

• Lists of members' names, offices, addresses and telephone numbers are available
  
  • For the House at: http://www.okhouse.gov/Members/MemberListing.aspx
    or by calling 405-521-2711
  • For the Senate at: http://www.oksenate.gov/senators.htm
    or by calling 405-524-0126.

• Addressing your letter
  
  • During the legislative session, you can send letters directly to the Statehouse, addressed like this:
  • The Honorable (Full Name) or The Honorable (Full Name)
  • Oklahoma State Senate or Oklahoma House of Representatives
  • Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or Oklahoma City, OK 73105
  • Dear Senator/Representative:

• Tips for effective letters:
  Always use your own stationery or letterhead for your letter, and use your own words or thoughts. Form letters are not effective! A personal story about how legislation affects you or your family can be incredibly effective.
  
  • Here are a few guidelines:
    • Introduce yourself as a constituent (if you are one)
    • If you are part of a group or coalition, say so, along with how many people you represent.
    • Keep it to one page if possible. Short letters have the greatest impact.
    • Make your position clear, and say exactly what you want your legislator to do.
    • Tell how the legislation will affect you and others like you.
    • Don't worry if you're not an expert. Your personal experience is the best evidence.
    • Don't threaten, browbeat, or get nasty.
    • Refer to bills or policies by name or number (if you know them).
    • Ask for the legislator's view on the issue.
    • When a legislator does what you've asked (such as vote for a bill) send a thank you note.

    A great letter includes:

    • Who you are
    • What you want done
    • A little bit about the issue or bill
    • Who supports it, if you know
    • What you want done, again, in slightly different words
    • Your name, address and telephone number

• E-Mail
  
  • E-mail is received differently by individual legislators. Some prefer e-mail above all other communication; some don't read e-mail for days or not at all. It's a good idea to call your legislator's office first and simply ask "Does Senator Jones read e-mail? Would that be a good way to send information to him/her?" If you do send an e-mail, always include your FULL name and your HOME address at the end. This helps the legislator know that you are a real, live voting person in his district.

Adapted from Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Four Practical Tools: Advocacy Toolkit