Writing to Your Legislators

Corresponding with Legislators 

Legislators are chosen by the citizens of Virginia to represent them in the area (district) where they live. Each member of the Virginia General Assembly must live in the district that he or she represents.

To identify your legislator and district, please use the Who’s My Legislator? online tool. You may also contact your Senator or Delegate by email, phone, and mail. 

For additional information:

Senate Information and Civics Education Office (804) 698-7410 

House of Delegates Information and Communication Services (ICS) Office (804) 698-1500 

Tips for Writing to a Legislator

Legislators want to hear from their constituents. Writing an effective letter or email is a way to correspond with a legislator. Be sure to write the legislator who represents you. Mass mailings (email or letter) are not as effective as personal correspondence.

• Be sure to include your contact information. Even in an email, include your full name, home address, phone number and email address. You may not get a response from a legislator if you do not include your contact information.
• The date you are writing the letter or email.
• Keep the letter or email brief, to the point, and no more than one page.
• Be courteous and do not use vulgar or profane language. 
• Clearly state the purpose of your correspondence and provide an example of the situation you are trying to address.
• The letter should address one issue.
• Thank the legislator for taking the time to read the letter.
• If you are writing about a specific bill or resolution include the bill or resolution number. Listed below are the written formats for bills or resolutions that should be included in the email or letter:

Senate Bill: “SB___”
Senate Joint Resolution: “SJR___”
Senate Resolution: “SR___”
House Bill: ”HB___”
House Joint Resolution: ”HJR___” 
House Resolution: ”HR___”