State your position or request, and always give reasons for your request. Be constructive, and avoid insults and threats. Use your own words and your own stationery. Your letter should not read like a newspaper editorial. Do not use form letters or form postcards.
Petitions generally have minimal impact.
Type your letter. Proofread for errors in spelling, grammar, etc. Write to your legislator when he or she does something of which you approve. A note of sincere appreciation is always appropriate. However, try to write prior to the last month of a legislative session.