Information to Have When Calling Elected Officials

Legislators and other elected officials are busy people, and a lot of people want a piece of their time. After you've found the contact information for your representative, review following checklist before you call to make that call both more effective and more respectful:

• Be prepared to give your name and address.

• Tell the person precisely why you are calling.

• If you are calling about a particular piece of legislation, give the number of the bill, if possible.

• Tell the individual whether you are for or against the legislation and why.

• Be patient; other voters may be calling to express their views, too.