Contact Your Legislator

Write a letter, email, or call.

A few moments can have a powerful impact on your legislator’s vote. First, take a moment to find your legislators at http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/

When you contact your legislator by email, letter, or phone, make sure to:

1) Identify yourself as a constituent, if you are in that legislator’s district. (State and city legislators will consider your views especially important if you are a constituent.)

2) Be polite: Use the legislator’s title when addressing him or her (for example, “Representative Doe” or “Governor Kulongoski”)

3) State why you are contacting him or her (include a bill number if you can)
For example: “Please oppose S.B. 767”; “Do not support the cap and trade bill”

4) Briefly state a reason why you have this position
a. Legislators are busy people. If you write a letter or an email, keep it short (no more than 3 paragraphs, unless you have a personal story that you wish to share). If you call, keep your message short.
For example: “S.B. 767 will limit parents’ ability to choose the best school for their children,” or “Cap and trade will hurt my family and my business by increasing our expenses.”
b. Keep informed about policy in Oregon by reading our weekly e-newsletter – sign up now!

5) Do it now! Your message does not need to be perfect. A simple message now is better than none at all.

6) Encourage a friend to do the same.