Make your voice heard: A simple guide to contacting your legislators
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EmailLearn easy ways to find, contact, and influence your elected officials.
At some point, you may want to contact your elected officials to share your thoughts or advocate for an issue. Here’s how to find your legislators and communicate effectively.
Finding your legislators
Each Michigan resident has a state senator and a state representative. To find yours, visit the Michigan Legislature’s website.
At the federal level, each state has two U.S. senators and multiple U.S. representatives, depending on population. Find your federal legislators at:
- U.S. Senators: senate.gov
- U.S. Representatives: house.gov
Meeting in person
If you prefer a face-to-face discussion, schedule an appointment in advance. Legislators are busy, so contacting them ahead ensures they have time to meet. You can meet them at the State Capitol, their district office, or local events like town halls and coffee hours.
Writing to your legislator
Communicating in writing is a great way to share your thoughts with your elected officials. Whether you choose email or a physical letter, keep your message clear, concise, and respectful.
Sending an email
Email is often the fastest way to reach your legislator. Many lawmakers have official email addresses or online contact forms on their websites. When writing an email:
- Keep it brief—no more than a few paragraphs.
- Clearly state your reason for writing in the subject line.
- Use a professional tone and avoid slang or excessive abbreviations.
- Personalize your message—explain how the issue affects you, your family, or your community.
- End with a call to action, such as asking for their support or a response.
Writing a letter
A well-written letter can make a strong impression. Legislators receive fewer physical letters than emails, making yours stand out. When writing a letter:
- Type or write neatly on plain paper—avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
- Include your full name, address, and phone number.
- Keep your message to one page and focus on a single issue.
- Use clear and polite language, even if you disagree with the legislator’s stance.
- Mail it to the legislator’s office (addresses can be found on official government websites).
Calling your legislator
Phone calls are another effective way to communicate. Before calling, prepare a brief, clear message. You may need to leave a voicemail, so be concise and state your concern clearly. Find phone numbers on the Michigan Legislature website or federal sites listed above.
Additional resources
- Michigan Legislature’s Guide: For the People By the People: How State and Local Governments Operate
- Federal Contacts
- Guidance on contacting a United States Senator from Senate.gov
- Find your elected officials from Federal to County level at USA.gov
Taking the time to reach out to your legislators can make a difference. Whether by meeting, writing, or calling, clear and respectful communication helps ensure your voice is heard.
