It is this very attitude that makes your letter all the more important. Lawmakers often rely on letters from constituents to gauge public opinion in their districts. Because our elected officials do not receive that many personal letters expressing opinions on vital issues, they are apt to pay considerable attention to those they do receive. Write to your own legislators and also to the chairperson and members of the appropriate committee. It is important that committee members receive your view while they are holding hearings on legislation in which you are interested.
Handwritten letters are also fine, but be sure they are readable.
Put your return address on the letter. The envelope sometimes gets thrown away before the letter is answered. Identify your subject clearly. If you are writing about a specific proposal, give the name or number of the legislation, if possible. State your reason for writing.