Election Archives - Alabama Election Protection Network

Contacting Your Elected Officials 101

Apart from voting, contacting your elected officials is one of the most important tasks you can perform as a citizen. It is the best way to share your opinions and helps influence changes within your local community. Let’s take a look at the simplest ways to contact your elected officials!

1. In-person meetings

If you have the opportunity, speak to your elected officials in person. You will find that you can have more engaging conversations and have a greater chance of having your voice heard. It’s important to note that members of Congress are often traveling, but when they are in town, you can call the district office to arrange an appointment to meet with them. There are also staff members within their offices whose job is to form relationships with individuals such as yourself. You will create a much longer-lasting impression during an in-person meeting.

2. By Letter

We understand that not everyone can meet in person, and if that’s the case, sending a letter is the most impactful way to reach them. The offices for Congress members are set up to receive and log communication they receive by mail. When writing a letter, you will need to ensure that you concisely share your concerns or opinions, keeping it to one page. Any multiple-page letters are unlikely to be read, so stick to your main points and avoid being repetitive or stating anything unnecessary. And Keep in mind, you should ensure you are polite throughout your contact to increase the likelihood of receiving a response.

3. By Email

Email has largely replaced traditional mail, and it’s an excellent tool for contacting a member of Congress. If time is sensitive for your concern, email is one of the best ways to get a quick response, as they are usually processed quicker than mail. When time is critical, make sure you make that very clear at the start of your email to incite quicker action. Once again, being courteous in your communications is the best way to get a response.

4. Through Social Media

Social media is a tool used by organizations of all types today, including the government and elected officials! If you are looking to share your view and receive a quick response, it’s an additional option. Twitter and Facebook are the two most popular platforms for legislators, and they often use them to share information with their constituents. The great thing about social media is that you can upload images to support your case further and then tag your member of Congress in these images. Of course, always act with respect and professionalism when using this form of contact to start a civil dialogue with your elected officials.

Whichever way you choose to contact your elected officials, we encourage you always to take the time to compose your message and share your thoughts. Don’t ever act antagonistic, and instead, create a compelling and thought-provoking message that’s more likely to receive the response you desire. Get started today by utilizing our ‘Our Districts, Our Alabama’ template letter to contact your representatives about the 2021 redistricting process here!

5 Ways to Stay Politically Engaged After an Election

1. Support Local Organizations Already Doing The Work

Local organizations play an enormous role in creating change in our communities, especially with the help of volunteers and supporters. Funding and having boots on the ground to make our passions a reality can aid in the success of the cause and help the organization’s leaders tackle the intricacies of the issue. For example, organizations like The Alabama Election Protection Network advocate and inform the public about voting rights, fair elections, and upholding the core values of democracy. With the help of people like you and other grassroots organizations, they can launch a redistricting campaign that will ensure a fair and accurate process for drawing district boundaries, putting communities first and not the needs of elected officials. Be sure to subscribe to a organizations’ social media channels and newsletters to stay up to date on current topics, events, and ways you can help. For more ways to get involved, volunteer with AEPN.

2. Make Learning A Lifestyle

Just because elections have ended doesn’t mean that we should stop learning about politics and how it impacts us. Continually learning ensures that you stay up to date with changes in politics and also allows you to brush up on what you already know. Start by doing a refresher on your basic knowledge of government. For example, what are the main branches of government and how do they work together and separately to make change? You can even learn about politics in your community and what laws are being proposed by virtually regular city hall meetings, virtually or in-person (depending on where you live).

3. Identify An Issue You Care About And Pursue It

In life, we all have things that interest us. It could be the environment, women’s rights, or social justice. Find an issue that you care about, do some research and start the conversation. Doing this will not only get a dialogue going, but you might be surprised to find many others who have the same passions as you do. Try speaking to your neighbors, friends, or co-workers; you’ll likely be glad you did.

More voices equal more change.

4. Contact Your Elected Representatives

You’ve done your research and cast your vote; now it’s time to get to work! A great way to get to know your elected representative is to start a conversation about policies and topics that you’re passionate about. This might seem like a scary task to undertake, but it’s as easy as sending an email, making a phone call, or engaging with them on social media. Making this connection allows for your voice to be heard and potentially begins the conversation for change to begin. Click here to find contact information for your elected officials.

5. Get Your Community Registered To Vote

A great way to stay politically engaged is to get your community registered to vote before the next election. In a recent poll by Medill School of Journalism, Ipsos, and NPR, they concluded that 29% of Americans who were legally allowed to vote in the 2020 election never actually registered in advance. This statistic is actually a pretty big deal when considering this is nearly ⅓ of the population that could vote. When such a large number of our communities don’t vote, their voices and views are not heard. This allows the rest of the population to make the decisions in their place. Nowadays, it’s so easy to get registered to vote. You can share organization websites like Alabama Election Protection Network and Rock the Vote who will even lend a hand if needed.

Looking for more resources to stay politically engaged after an election? Visit voteprotection.org to learn more.