Alternatively, you may phone the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.

Several state legislatures deadlocked over the election of senators, which led to Senate vacancies lasting months and even years. During the 1890s, the House of Representatives passed several resolutions proposing a constitutional amendment for the direct election of senators.

Passed by Congress May 13, 1912, and ratified April 8, 1913, the 17th amendment modified Article I, section 3, of the Constitution by allowing voters to cast direct votes for U.S. Senators. Prior to its passage, Senators were chosen by state legislatures.

If you know who your representative is but you are unable to contact them using their contact form, the Clerk of the House maintains addresses and phone numbers of all House members and Committees, or you may call (202) 224-3121 for the U.S. House switchboard operator.

Make clear your position and exactly what you want your legislator to do. Identify legislation by bill number. letter/email by explaining how the issue will affect you, your family, your clients, your profession or your community. Ask for your legislator’s position on the matter and request a reply.

Recommended Strategies

1. Always make time for your elected officials.
2. Develop a clear understanding of your elected officials’ expectations regarding communication.
3. Adjust communication techniques to the needs of individual councilmembers.
4. Establish a “floor” of information that you make available to all.

1. Know Yourself. Be aware of your own personal prejudices or biases.
2. Know Your Organization. If you are speaking on its behalf, you will want to be a credible representative.
3. Know Your Legislator.
4. Know Your Issue.
5. Know Your Opposition.
6. The Personal Visit.
7. The Telephone.
8. The Letter.

Lobbying by Phone

1. Be concise.
2. Identify yourself as a constituent.
3. State the reason for your call by bill number and/or subject.
4. Ask a specific question or request a specific action.
5. Relate the bill to a local example or problem State your position as “for” or “against” the bill.

Lobbying is an important lever for a productive government. Without it, governments would struggle to sort out the many, many competing interests of its citizens. Fortunately, lobbying provides access to government legislators, acts as an educational tool, and allows individual interests to gain power in numbers.