General Assembly Basics

COMMUNICATION TIPS

Tips On Telephoning Your Virginia Legislators

To find your legislator’s phone number, contact the Constituent Viewpoint Hotline at 1-800-889-0229 and ask for your Senator’s or Delegate’s office. You can also find out who is your Senator or Delegate by clicking here.

Remember that telephone calls are often taken by a staff member, not the legislator. Ask to speak with the legislative aide.

After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: “Please tell Senator/Delegate (Name) that I support/oppose (Senate Bill ___/House Bill ___).”

You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your Senator’s or Delegate's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call. Often, the staff will request your name and address. Please remember that if the legislative aide is not available, please leave your brief message with the staff member taking your call.

Tips On Writing to General Assembly Members

The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a General Assembly office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:

  • Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House Bill: H.R. ______, Senate Bill: S.B. ______ .
  • Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.
  • Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.

Addressing Correspondence

To a Senator:
The Honorable (full name)
General Assembly Building
Richmond, VA 23219
Dear Senator:

To a Delegate:
The Honorable (full name)
P.O. Box 406
Richmond, VA 23218
Dear Delegate:
Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:

Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:
or Dear Mr. Speaker:

Tips On E-mailing General Assembly Members

Generally, the same guidelines apply as with writing letters to General Assembly members. You may find and e-mail your legislators directly from this web site.