Why call?
This page sums up what surveys of congressional staff say about hearing from constituents, with links to the reports, and gives a few tips for your call.
What staff say about calls
In a 2015 survey of congressional staff by the Congressional Management Foundation, 84 percent said phone calls have some or a lot of positive influence on a member who has not made a firm decision. The foundation’s report quotes one House legislative director: “Their comments are recorded, and the data is shared with the entire staff for immediate action.”
Calls, emails and form messages
In the same survey, 92 percent said that of individualized emails from constituents, and 56 percent said it of form emails. In a report the foundation published in 2011, only 1 percent of the staff asked said identical form emails and letters would have a lot of influence on an undecided member; the report’s heading for that finding reads “It’s Not the Delivery Method – It’s the Content”. In both surveys, staff rated calls and personal emails above form messages.
If you reach voicemail
Leave the same message you would give a person: your name, your ZIP code or town, the bill, and where you stand. Speak slowly and say your ZIP code clearly, so the office can tell you are a constituent.
What do I say?
Give your name and your ZIP code or town, so the office knows you are a constituent. Then name the bill, say where you stand, and add one sentence on why, such as how the bill would affect you or your community. You do not need to argue your case.
Be brief and kind
The person who answers is a staff member who may be having a long day. Keep it short and polite, and thank them for taking your message.
Sources
Both reports are in English.