📝 Why Writing to Your Elected Official Still Matters in 2025

And How Your Letter Can Make a Bigger Impact Than You Think

Writing to your elected official might seem outdated—almost quaint in an age of tweets and petitions. But here’s the truth:

Whether you’re contacting a legislator, a senator, a local city councilperson, or a member of Congress, a well-crafted letter can sway opinions, spark debates, and even shift votes. And unlike petitions or form emails, personal letters to elected officials carry a sense of thoughtfulness and urgency that demands attention.

📬 Why So Many Elected Officials Still Read Letters

When you write a letter, it doesn’t just land in a void. It’s opened by a staffer, aide, or staff member in the official’s office - someone whose job is to keep track of what constituents are saying. These team members summarize trends in correspondence, categorize topics, and flag high-impact letters for decision-makers.

In fact, many legislators say they weigh their constituents' letters more heavily than social media feedback - especially when a number of letters arrive on the same specific issue.

And here’s the kicker: most people don’t do it. So when you take the time to write, your personal letter stands out like a beacon, potentially becoming the tipping point on that particular bill.

✍️ You Don’t Need to Be an Expert - Just a Constituent

Too many people hesitate to write because they think they’re not political enough or don’t know the right words. But guess what? You don’t need to be a policy wonk or use fancy terms. You just need to be a concerned constituent willing to speak up.

Whether you’re writing about a specific bill, asking a city council member to fund local housing, or urging a school board to keep inclusive books on shelves, your authenticity is your strength.

Your letter will probably be read - and it might just be the tipping point on that particular bill.

🧠 How Many Letters Does It Take?

It’s not thousands. Often, many elected officials say that 10 - 20 personal letters on a subject can prompt internal discussions or even lead to a firm position shift - especially at the state and local level.

In one city, a dozen residents writing to their elected representatives about a bike lane expansion pushed it back onto the agenda. In another case, parents urging their school board to preserve LGBTQ+ resources did so with just a handful of emails and letters - but they were heartfelt and detailed.

✉️ What Makes a Letter Effective?

Your message doesn’t have to be longer than one page. In fact, concise letters are more likely to get read fully. Here are a few simple tips:

Be Clear in the First Paragraph

Your unique story will resonate more than a generalized expression of outrage and can make a significant impact.

1. Make a Clear Ask

   • Clearly state what you want them to do: Are you urging them to vote yes or no? Do you want them to speak publicly on the issue or take another specific action?“I’m urging you to vote against this legislation and stand up for reproductive rights in our province.”

🖊️ Email, Handwritten Letter, or Postcard?

There are many ways to communicate with elected officials, and each has its benefits:

• Send an email for fast delivery and easy tracking

• A handwritten letter feels deeply personal and shows effort

• A postcard is perfect for shorter, impactful messages

• Mailing a letter can be ideal for federal or provincial targets where official correspondence still matters

Regardless of format, always include your address and salutation. Don’t be afraid to use a sample letter - just make sure to personalize it.

🚨 Avoid This Common Mistake

A pre-written form letter copied from a website is easy - but it also blends into the pile. Instead of sending a generic message, personalize your relationship to the issue and your elected representative.

Even if you start from a template, add your voice. That’s what makes it stick.

🎁 Want Help? Download Our Free PDF Guide

If this all feels a bit overwhelming, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Our free downloadable PDF, “How to Write a Letter to Your Politician and Make It Count”, walks you through everything:

• When to write

• How to format your message

• Examples for climate, education, health care, and voting rights

• What not to do if you want your letter to be effective

It’s designed to help progressive voices communicate with clarity and confidence.

The free download is available in exchange for signing up to our newsletter: