Massive Problem: We cannot write to congresspeople outside our district.

[Mike 03]

Is there any solution for this problem?

So, there are many politicians I cannot stand and wish to write to and express my displeasure, but I cannot even write them an email because I don't live in their district.

Does anybody know how to get around this issue?

The bottom line is there are congresspersons I want to disagree with in writing, but when I go to their websites I cannot send them any email because I do not live in their district, I guess.

[Lebam in LA]

1. I agree

I guess the only way is snail mail but they will probably just throw it away when they see the postmark, unless you can make it look like $ is enclosed.

[MineralMan]

2. Last I heard, the USPS was still delivering the mail.

The thing is, though, that House members and Senators aren't all that interested in what people who don't, and can't, vote for them think about issues. Most people from out of their state or district just send them rants of one sort or another, so they've stopped accepting email from people who aren't their constituents. I'm pretty sure your displeasure isn't all that interesting to them, generally.

Still, if you really want to contact them, you can send paper mail. It tends to be looked at more carefully than email, anyhow. Personally, though, I focus on the legislators who are seeking my vote. They just seem more interested, you know.

[tabbycat31]

3. Find a zipcode in their district and use it on the website

To get by.

They are not obligated to listen to non-constituents, but you can also tell them "I have friends/family in your district" and they're more likely to listen to you (only use that if you actually do). They do know that people sometimes do listen to their friends/family when it comes to deciding who to vote for.

[Fire1]

11. Yep! That's how I got around it. n/t

[Pancho Sanza]

4. A Senator who I know very well personally told me he never sees emails

and doesn't consider them worth reading anyway. He won't respond to 'real' mail from other states either, I suspect Reps don't pay any attention to them either. Technically, a congresscritter isn't obligated to actually represent anyone who isn't his or her actual constituent (not saying that's a good thing, just that it's how the system was set up) shrug

[rfranklin]

7. Unless they are a lobbyist who can funnel huge wads of campaign cash...

from their client who, in that case, may reside in any country around the world.

[mrmpa]

5. find an address in their district along with zip code and use that

or is illegal?

[Zoeisright]

8. That's what I do.

Along with some ubiquitous address like "200 Main Street" and the town.

Why on earth would that be illegal?

[slackmaster]

6. You can always send them paper letters or faxes

They probably won't get read, but the law doesn't require them to be responsive even to people in the districts they represent.

[SheilaT]

9. How about a phone call?

If they have caller ID it will show that your area code is not in their district, but you can explain you're using a cell phone from another area code.

I kept my cell phone number when I moved 800 miles to where I am now, and kept the cell because I have some friends back there who themselves are without cell phone, and this way they can call me as a local call. Plus, I've had this number for about 15 years now, and don't want to change it.

[jwirr]

10. There is one thing we can do. We need to gather the email, phone

numbers. etc. of people who hold congressional offices, such as Nancy and Harry. This should include not only those persons but also heads of committees and caucus leaders. These people may get elected in one state but when they take that job they then become our reps also. Then we can contact them about matters that pertain to their committees, etc.

I do not know how to do this but someone here at DU will.