How to engage with NH Legislators

We recommend engaging with your legislators around bills and issues important to you throughout the legislative season so these issues and your opinions on them stay relevant to legislators. You can submit a written letter, an emailed letter, or call their office. Usually, elected officials weigh phone calls more heavily than letters or emails. Either way, it’s a good idea to write out your thoughts and opinions before it’s time to call or write them so you know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Make sure your elected officials are operating with your best interests in mind. If you’re unsure of who your elected officials are, you can use this tool by FastDemocracy to look them up.

When to Engage

There are two key times when legislators are likely to respond to correspondence regarding specific bills and issues. The first is when a bill is in committee and open to the public for input. Every bill (unless rules are suspended with a ⅔ vote) go through this process. But bills aren’t scheduled for public input more than a week in advance, so it’s important to be aware of what bills to track each legislative season to be able to write letters during this short window. We recommend preparing letters ahead of time around issues and bills that are important to you.

The second optimal time to write your legislator is after a bill has been scheduled for either the Senate or House for a floor vote. There is a process by which amendments can be proposed, and floor debate happens, but no public input happens on the floor again prior to a full floor vote. During this time, legislators are looking for letters, phone calls, and information from advocates and constituents to inform how they will vote.

If calling the office, most legislators are in their office in the late morning or early afternoon - but it’s more likely you’ll speak to a staffer if you call. The staffer is trained to record your sentiments and message. It’s important to speak clearly and concisely, and not to engage in arguments. You’re calling to voice your opinion - not to make your legislator your enemy.

Before Drafting a Letter

Consider using a letter template. 603 Equality will generally provide a letter template for each of the issues we’re tracking that will auto-populate the correct legislators to send it to. If you aren’t planning on using a letter campaign from 603 Equality or another similar organization, you can find your elected officials easily at Citizens Count

Depending on what legislator you are submitting to, and in what area of the state, you may be writing to a legislator that is hearing from constituents already about this issue, or already has strongly held beliefs on this issue . Consider your audience when writing. Ask yourself - what compelling points can I make for my case?

Reference one of these messaging guides to help get you started. They may help you consider what the opposition will say / think, and help form a coherent argument around the facts of the issue that might most-resonate with the committee.

Review these sample letters

Structuring Your Arguments

Review the structure below and be concise. Even if your legislator isn’t likely to agree with you, it’s important to participate in our democratic process in this way. Consider what issues are important to your legislator and their constituents. If they are focused on economic issues, consider the economic impact of the bill under consideration.

Dear Legislator,

Intro: I urge you to support/defeat (name the issue or bill). Include a quick statement on why you think it should be either passed or defeated.

Body:

Get Personal. Relate to the topic on a personal level, and explain why it’s significant to you, and why your unique perspective is important to consider.

Relate to your community. How you foresee this bill impacting the state and your community. Bring in data points, research, statistics, etc.

Closing: A short paragraph that summarizes your central point, and reiterates what action you hope your legislator will take.

Sincerely,

Your name

Your town

Your phone number