Contacting your Government Officials

When writing elected or apppointed public officials:

DO express personal opinion.
DO check the spelling for the official's name and office title.
DO time your letter to arrive when the issue is current.
DO present a concise statement of the reasons for your position.
DO make letters short.
DO describe a bill by its number or popular name.
DO write letters of commendation when the official has done something of which you particularly approve.

Use these salutations:

Governor

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
address

Dear Governor...

U.S. Senator

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Dear Senator Feinstein:

Congress

The Honorable first last
Dear Representative lastname:

Mayor, Councilmembers

The Honorable first last
Dear Mayor last name

The Honorable ..
Dear Councilmember last name

Schools

President, xxx Community College District Board of Trustees
Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. last name

Supreme Court

The Honorable ...
California Supreme Court..
Dear Chief Justice..

President

The President of the United States
The White House

Dear Mr. President:

If we support your county, go to the main Guide to Government page on this Web site and key in your address and zip code. If we don't yet support your county, go to Your Representatives.

The above suggestions have been adapted from a publication of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles.