By Abearica Online Editors · Published
Before writing to an elected official, identify the office you intend to reach and the action you want to request. Use an official directory to find its contact page. Keep a policy opinion separate from a request for help with an individual matter.
USAGov provides links for finding federal, state, territorial, and local elected officials.1
Match the office to the task
Begin with a plain question for yourself: which office am I asking to act? If you are unsure, ask the office where to direct the issue. Do not send sensitive supporting records with an initial general inquiry.
The House of Representatives offers a ZIP-code lookup that links to a member's website and contact page.2
For a community concern, keep your Local reading nearby, but describe the particular decision you mean. Include the place and the relevant public document if you have one. Avoid asking a recipient to infer your request from a long set of links.
Write a message that asks for something
Put the subject in the first sentence. Explain your position or question briefly, then state the action you would like the office to consider. For example, ask where to find its published position or how to submit comments through the appropriate process.
If News prompted the message, read the underlying public document before repeating the headline's description. Use your own words and identify uncertainty. You can disagree firmly without speculating about anyone's motives.
House offices set their own email policies and may provide a public email address or a contact form on their websites.2
Send through the office, not the site help desk
The House says its webmaster does not forward messages to congressional offices.2
Use the contact route listed by the office you mean to reach. Save your submitted text and the date, and note any reference number the office gives you. Treat an acknowledgment as a record of your exchange, not proof that your requested action will happen.
For a longer issue file, use Research & Learn to guide your document reading. Keep the official contact page with that file so your next message starts with the right destination.