Reaching Your Lawmakers

Lawmakers pay attention to constituents who reach out to them directly. Here are the most effective ways to contact your legislators and make your voice heard.

• Physical Address of the Arkansas State Capitol: 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
• Mailing Address for Legislators: [Legislator's Name], Arkansas State Capitol, Room [Number], Little Rock, AR 72201
• In-Session Phone for House: (501) 682-6211
• In-Session Phone for Senate: (501) 682-2902
• Governor's Office Phone: (501) 682-2345
• Arkansas State Legislature Website: www.arkleg.state.ar.us
• Find Your Legislator: arkleg.state.ar.us/Legislators

Sometimes, the best way to influence an impending vote is with a quick phone call to your legislator. Here’s what to include in your message:

• Know Who You’re Calling: Know your Senate and House districts and the name of your legislator.
• Know What You’re Calling About: Clearly state the bill number (e.g., "HB XXXX") or the issue, and specify the action you want your legislator to take (e.g., “Please vote no on HB XXXX!”).
• Say Thank You: End your call by thanking your legislator for their time and service.

A personal letter or email is a powerful way to share your views. Use these tips to craft an effective message:

• Be Concise: Legislators receive a lot of correspondence, so keep your letter short and to the point.
• Tell a Story: Share how the issue affects you, your family, or your community.
• Problem, Solution, Action: Clearly state the problem, propose a solution, and ask your legislator to take specific action (e.g., “Vote no on HB XXXX!”).

Example Letter:
Dear [Senator/Representative],

My name is [Your Name], and I live in your district at [Your Address]. I’m writing to express my concern about [Bill/Issue]. This legislation will [describe impact briefly]. I urge you to [support/oppose] this bill because [reason]. Thank you for your time and service to our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Meeting your legislator in person is one of the most effective ways to discuss issues that matter to you.

Tips for Scheduling and Preparing for a Meeting:

1. Schedule in Advance: Call or email your legislator to request a meeting, specifying the topic you want to discuss and any attendees joining you.
2. Be Flexible: Legislators’ schedules are packed, especially during the session (January–April). Be patient and understanding.
3. Do Your Research: Learn about your legislator’s stance on the issue, past voting history, and potential connections you may have.
4. Set Goals: Know what you want to achieve, whether it’s introducing yourself, sharing your perspective, or securing their support for or opposition to a specific bill.
5. Follow Up: After your meeting, send a thank-you note to leave a lasting impression.

During the Meeting:

• Dress professionally.
• Be on time and prepared.
• Keep your discussion focused — meetings are often brief (10–15 minutes).
• Share personal stories or local examples that highlight the impact of the issue.
• Ask for a timeline for their decision and when you can follow up.

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