Try to be aware of the editorial content of the Publication that you are writing to. For example, the editorial content of the Press-Enterprise is purchased largely from news sources that are conservative. There are some simple rules that will make your letter more likely to be published as well as more effective. Letters should not exceed 250 to 300 words on one subject. Reference why you are writing, a good way to do this is to personalize your experience. Make sure you letter is legible, spel checque twiice and then have someone else proofread. Lastly, be certain to include contact information for the editor.
Send your mail to a local or district office, they get much less mail then the Capitol offices. A handful of letters locally can be seen as a groundswell of support, while hundreds of letters would be hardly noticed if delivered to the elected officials capitol office.
The additional security measures in place at the Congressional Post office in Washington D.C. means mail sent to your representative or senator will be delayed up to two weeks AFTER its arrival. If you need to send snail mail to a federal official's capitol office please take this delay into account. Keep the following list of things in mind:
1. Letters need to be read before a decision is made.
2. Keep your letters brief, clear, and specific.
3. Mention the legislation by number and name.
4. Address your correspondence correctly.
5. Include your name, address, and phone number.
6. If using E-mail include your E-mail address.
7. State who you are and why you are writing.
8. Explain why this legislation is important.
9. Know their voting record on similar legislation.
10. Make the letter legible, preferably typed.
11. Include a handwritten note on the letter.
12. Ask for a response.
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Committee
Community
Issues
People
Columbia Co. Democratic Committee
PO Box 884
Bloomsburg PA 17815
