Contact Your Representatives

There is an urgent need for a grassroots movement to protest Trump’s fascist agenda!

Democrats in SD28 may be the minority, but that doesn’t mean we can’t contact our Legislators and tell them who we are and what are concerned about. We can write letters, place phone calls, send emails, and even have face-to-face meetings.

When a legislator starts hearing the same concerns from a number of citizens, it can build a lot of pressure. Even if you don’t think they’ll change the way they vote, flooding a lawmaker’s mailbox, phone line and email can stall office activity, and really get their attention. When you contact your representative, you’re adding your voice to a wave of grassroots pressure.

• A face-to-face meeting at an event, town hall, or the representative's local office can often leave the biggest impression, but it’s not always feasible.

• The next best option for expressing your opinion is a formal letter sent to your Representative.

• A phone call to the Representatives office is also effective.

• While email is convenient and quick, it may not have the same influence as the other, more traditional, routes. Use this as a last resort.

Letter and Email writing tips:

Here are some tips to help you write an effective letter:

• Keep Your Letter Simple. Your letter will be make the most impact if you address a single topic or issue rather than a variety of issues you may feel passionate about.

• Typed, one-page letters are best.

• Say why you are writing and who you are. State that you are a constituent and registered voter.

• Be factual and not emotional. Provide specific rather than general information about how the topic affects you and others.

• Give your credentials when appropriate. Let the legislator know if you have specific experience in the issues.

• If a certain bill is involved, cite the correct title or number whenever possible.

• Close by requesting the action you want to be taken. It might be a vote for or against a bill, a change in general policy, or some other action, but be specific.

• Always proofread your letter before mailing it. Read over it at least twice, checking for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Make sure you have not repeated yourself, failed to make your points clearly, or left anything out. An error-free letter adds to your credibility.

• Ensure you include your full name and address so the Representative knows that you are in fact a constituent they represent.

• Finally, follow up. Never write one letter, always send a second. If your legislator ultimately adopts your plan, thank them. If not, inform them that you know and are disappointed.

  Click here for an example letter which you can also use as a reference for an email.

All the current Representatives, and their contact details, for SD28 (Chisago-Isanti) are listed below.