Does Contacting Your Representatives Really Work?*

The short answer?

yes!

You might be surprised to know just how much of a difference making a phone call or writing an email can be. Here’s why...

What happens when you call your Representative?

When you call your Federal/State representative, your message is logged and relayed to your representative and the staffers who are responsible for crafting policy. For Federal/State/Local representatives, every single call helps them know how much of a priority an issue is for their constituents. It’s all about building pressure, and calls are one of the most efficient ways to do so.

*Source: RepresentUs, a nonpartisan grassroots organization for government accountability.

This is how democracy works!

PHOTO BY JAY FLEMING

Contact Your Representatives

Here are the lawmakers who represent the Eastern Shore in Congress, Virginia, Accomack, and Northampton counties.

4 Reasons Calling Makes a Big Difference

#1

Your representatives care about re-election — and you control their chances. If a politician wants to get re-elected, he or she has to ensure they’re addressing their constituents’ concerns. When you let them know what policies you support, you’re telling them what they can do to win your vote in the next election.

 

#2

A lot of callers can build a lot of pressure. When a legislator starts hearing the same concerns from a lot of citizens, it puts a lot of pressure on them to vote the way their constituents want.

 

#3

It’s one of the best ways to voice your opinion in the election off-season. Civic participation can — and should — happen year-round. Contacting your elected officials holds them accountable for representing you, even when it’s not election season.

 

#4

It only takes two minutes! One of the best things about calling your representatives? It’s incredibly quick and easy to do.

Where Do I Vote?