Writing to Policy Makers Elected officials at the local, state, and federal level are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents. In order to know your interests, your elected officials must hear from you! Because of time-consuming security precautions, it takes weeks or months for a letter to reach a Member of Congress, regardless of how it is mailed. Instead, you should send your letter electronically by typing it directly on their website or by emailing it your representative and/or senators. Keep in mind that public officials, especially those at the federal level, receive thousands of emails and online letters each week. Many won’t even read emails from people who are not their constituents- so make sure to say you are one of their constituents! Here are some tips to help get your letter noticed: