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Letters to Your Legislator

 

Here are some simple guidelines to follow when sending letters to members of the New Mexico State Legislature.

PROOFREAD your letters
prior to sending them!

Many people do not proofread and, consequently, any important substantive message trying to be communicated is diminished or lost due to the unprofessional presentation.

View a
sample letter
regarding a single issue.

Use Personalized Stationery

Stationery should always include your name, return address and a phone number if you wish to receive a response.

Government or university employees are legally prohibited from using stationery printed at state expense.

Identify Yourself

Identify yourself as a constituent in the legislator's district.

Include the Bill Number

Include the bill number of the subject matter.

When writing about a particular piece of legislation always include the bill number, title and subject matter.

Keep It Short and Simple

Express your opinion clearly and strongly but don't be threatening or offensive.

Cover one topic per letter and state your message within the first two paragraphs.

Subsequent paragraphs can be used to expand on your position but should be kept to a minimum.

Use Your Own Words

Use the call to action issued by the Lobos for Legislation Advocates staff as a guide, but don't copy the text verbatim.

Use a personal touch by mentioning something unique to the legislator and your district.

Form letters have not proven to be effective.

Ask for a Specific Reply

Respectfully request the legislator's support on the issue and a follow-up letter stating his/her position or response.

 

Contact the Lobos for Legislation Staff

Communicate with the Lobos for Legislation staff about your contact with the legislator.

Fill out the legislator tracking form and send it to us by mail or fax, or telephone us to let us know about your e-mail message.

UNM Alumni Association
Lobos for Legislation
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 01 - 1160
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505.277.5808   |   1.800.ALUM.UNM
505.277.6844 fax   |   alumni@unm.edu