Contacting Your Legislators

To find out who your legislators are, to get their addresses and phone numbers, and to get detailed information about their committees, schedules, and votes, go to this website: http://www.legis.state.il.us. You can even send an e-mail to your legislator through this website.

Click Find Your State Legislator. If you know the official's name, click Search by Official. If you don't know who your local legislator is, click Search by Address. If you want information about your U.S. Senators, the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and other state officials, click Statewide Officials.

Tips on Writing to Your Legislators

Legislators pay close attention to their mail, since it gives them valuable information on constituent concerns. To communicate effectively with a legislator:

Identify the subject of your letter by bill number or issue, as precisely as possible.
Help inform the legislator about the problem by explaining the effect on the public the bill or action may have.
State your position and clearly explain why you feel that way.
Write or type your name, address, and phone number clearly so the legislator can respond to your letter.
Letters explaining your own views are much more effective than postcards or form letters.

Sample Letter

Your Street Address
Your City, State, Zip
Date

The Honorable Michael Smith
Illinois House of Representatives
E-1 Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706

Dear Representative Smith,

I am writing to urge your support for House Bill xxxx, sponsored by Representative Clayton.

I believe [insert your personal position or belief]. This bill will [tell how it will affect people with disabilities]. [Then tell how it will affect you personally.]

For these reasons, I urge you to [support or oppose] House Bill xxxx.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Sincerely,
Name

Home Phone
Work Phone

Tips On Calling Your Legislators

Legislators also pay close attention to phone calls from constituents because it tells them how their constituents feel about issues. If you decide to make a phone call:

Say, "I am calling to urge [Senator Name] to [support or oppose] [Bill Number].
The Secretary will probably ask your name and city of residence.