Playbook ยท Skills
How to contact the people who represent you
A short, specific message from someone who lives in the district gets read. Here is how to pick the right office and what to put in the message.
Start with the right level of government
The fastest way to get nowhere is to ask the wrong office. As a rough guide:
- City: zoning and building permits, city streets and sidewalks, city police, parks, water and sewer.
- County: public health, the jail and courts, elections, property assessments, and roads and land use outside city limits.
- State: school funding, state highways and ferries, prisons, driver licensing, and state law in general.
- Federal: Social Security and Medicare, veterans' benefits, immigration, passports and federal taxes.
Not sure who yours are? Use Who represents you.
What to put in the message
- Say you're a constituent. Give your city or neighborhood. Offices sort mail by whether you live in the district.
- Make one ask. "Please vote yes on House Bill 1234" is better than a general opinion. Include the bill or agenda item number if there is one.
- Give your reason in a few sentences. How it affects you, your family or your work.
- Keep it to a short page.
- Ask for a reply and include how to reach you.
Email, phone or in person
- Email is the easiest to send and the easiest to track.
- A phone call is quick. You'll usually reach staff, who log your position. Have your one ask ready.
- For state legislators, the Legislative Hotline at 800-562-6000 takes a message for your senator and both representatives at once.
- In person works best at the local level. See how to speak at a local public meeting.
When you need help, not a vote
If you're stuck with a government agency, elected officials' offices can often help. Members of Congress have staff who handle problems with federal agencies, and state legislators' offices do the same with state agencies. Call the office and ask for help with a constituent issue.
Sources
Last reviewed November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the linked sources before you rely on a deadline.