Make your voice heard!
The Illinois General Assembly will be back in session Oct. 22-24 and again in November. Recently, when I had an opportunity to ask citizens if they had contacted their legislators about any particular piece of legislation or any issues in general, most answered one of two ways: “I don't have enough time” or “I don't really know how.”
If you think you don't have enough time to contact your representative in the General Assembly, try “one-minute lobbying.” When time is short, a telephone call or email is a quick and simple way to take action. Below are some samples of how this can be done.
To find out who represents you in Springfield, go to:
www.elections.il.gov and click on the box near the bottom of the page that says “District/Official Search.” When you type in your address, you'll find contact information for state and federal elected officials.
Call your legislator:
Receptionist: Good morning. Senator (name of legislator's) office.
You: Hi, my name is Jane/John Q. Public and I live at 100 Main Street in Hometown.
Receptionist: How may I help you?
You: I am calling to urge my senator to vote for Senate Bill 123, which (say what the bill would do). I think (give your opinion of the bill).
Receptionist: I will let the senator know.
You: Thank you.
End of call.
Email your legislator:
To: emailaddress
Dear Senator (name of your legislator),
I am sending this email today to ask you to (support, oppose) Senate Bill 123, (say what the bill would do). I think (give your opinion of the bill), and I (support, disagree with) your effort in bringing this legislation to the General Assembly.
Thank you.
Jane Q. Public, 100 Main Street, Hometown, IL 60457
Next week: Tips for communicating with your legislators
Ÿ Missey Wilhelm is president of the League of Women Voters of Wheaton.