Page 8 - Contact Your Lawmakers Research

Contacting Your Member of Congress - Fact or Fiction? Research Project

Can we send a Fax?
That might be possible if you can dust off your 1980's fax machine. Faxes are seldom read, and pre-paid

“Blast Faxes” sent by activist groups typically go in the trash can.

Schedule a personal meeting with your lawmaker
To actually “see” your member of Congress, it is best to attend one of their Town Hall Meetings and mingle

with a large group that can’t be ignored. It is still highly unlikely you will get “face time.” You can also
personally meet with your elected representatives in their District Offices. You should treat this appointment
like any important business meeting and be totally prepared with the facts.

Identify beforehand which member of the legislative body you want to talk with. Be clear as to what you

want to accomplish, know what you are going to say, and who you wish to say it to. Type out your
arguments or concerns, and give it to them for further reference. For example, if you want to meet with
Senator Marco Rubio, contact one of his 8 District Offices that are closest to you. Understand that the

higher up your official is on the political ladder, the more “gate-keepers” he or she will have.

Each member of Congress has an Appointment
Secretary for you to contact to arrange a meeting.
Tell them the specific dates and times you are

available, which District Office, and explain your
purpose and exactly why you want a meeting.
Members of Congress usually have limited time in

their District Offices so he or she may not be in that
particular office on your requested dates and times.

You may want to also request a meeting in
Washington, D.C. All travel expenses are your

responsibility, and the unwritten rule is that meetings are no longer than 10 - 15 minutes. It is common for
members of Congress to run behind schedule, cancel meetings, or to have meetings interrupted. If that
happens, you may be asked to meet with a staff member instead, or reschedule your appointment.

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