VoiceYourOpinion

Voice your opinion

Every citizen should, of course, exercise his or her right to vote.  But your involvement in the lawmaking process need not stop at the election booth.  You should also let your lawmakers know how you feel about proposed changes to our laws.  Lawmakers frequently say the opinions of their constituents play an important part in deciding whether they will support or oppose a particular bill.

So, what’s the best way to get your senator’s or representative’s attention? 

According to a Dec. 26, 1999, article in The Times-Picayune of New Orleans, staffers in House and Senate offices in Washington, D.C., say a personal visit to your lawmakers will usually give you the greatest chance of success in your efforts.  However, when letters communicate an individual’s personal thoughts, they are also considered very effective, regardless of whether they are sent by fax or U.S. mail.  In fact, because of mail handling procedures designed to thwart terrorist attacks in our nation’s capitol, sending letter via fax is now probably the better method for contacting U.S. senators and representatives.  Washington staffers report that letter and package screening procedures often delay mail for several weeks and say that when the mail finally does arrive it is often unreadable.

The 1999 article noted that mass mailings carry much less weight, but they generally do get tallied.  Most e-mail also just gets tallied, unless it contains an attention-getting subject line like “I’m a constituent and I vote.”  Although the Picayune’s article was based on information provided by the offices of Washington lawmakers, if asked the same questions, workers in the offices of Louisiana’s legislators would likely provide similar, if not identical, responses.

Also don’t forget the power of the telephone or e-mail. How to successfully lobby your legislators?

• Never tell a lie.
• Be patient.
• Be courteous.
• Be brief.
• Get to the point.
• Keep it simple.
• If you call in a group, keep that group small.
• Plan your pitch.
• Practice. Practice. Practice.
• Don't forget to close. Always ask for the official's vote.