Eleanor Finch
With the advent of the internet, it is now easier than ever to send messages to politicians. However, it is uncertain whether these messages are being read or are making an impact. Political advocacy and communications consultant Shayna Englin suggests that many emails may not be read at all, as staffers may be overloaded with messages. In a study conducted by Christian Vaccari, a political scientist at the University of Bologna and NYU-Florence, it was found that only one in five emails received a reply within one business day, with almost two-thirds going unanswered. Despite this, some politicians are actively using social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to communicate directly with their constituents. Additionally, case workers in political offices play a crucial role in helping constituents with their problems and working to fix underlying issues in the system. While it may be challenging to assess the effectiveness of writing to politicians, it is important for constituents to have their voices heard and make an impact on the issues that matter to them.
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What You'll Learn
- Emails from constituents may be filed in a lengthy backlog
- Social media is an increasingly popular way to contact politicians
- Politicians' staff members may be responsible for reading and responding to messages
- Online petitions and apps can send messages to Congress in a single click
- It is recommended to keep messages short, respectful, and personalised
Emails from constituents may be filed in a lengthy backlog
The internet has made it easier for constituents to send messages to the politicians they want to represent them. However, it is uncertain whether these messages are being read. In 2013, a study by Christian Vaccari, a political scientist at the University of Bologna and NYU-Florence, found that only one in five emails received a reply within one business day, with almost two-thirds going unanswered.
Shayna Englin, a political advocacy and communications consultant, suggests that many emails may not be read at all. Emails from constituents may be filed in a lengthy backlog, especially if staffers are overloaded. There is no standardized process for handling emails from constituents, and it can be challenging to determine who is an actual person in the district.
To increase the chances of a response, it is recommended to call or visit the politician's local office and speak to a staffer about the issue. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are also becoming popular ways to communicate with politicians directly. However, it can be difficult to assess who is a constituent on these platforms.
When sending an email, it is important to identify yourself as a constituent and state the reason for your message clearly and respectfully. Include personal stories about how the issue will impact you or your community, and if you have any connection to the legislator, such as voting for them or donating to their campaign. Keep the email concise and focus on no more than three main points.
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Social media is an increasingly popular way to contact politicians
The use of social media in politics offers both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it allows politicians to bypass traditional media outlets and engage directly with the public. For instance, during Hurricane Sandy, Newark Mayor Cory Booker used Twitter to stay in touch with his constituents. Similarly, Senator Bernie Sanders values social media for facilitating conversations on issues that may be overlooked by mainstream media. Social media also played a pivotal role during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, where it facilitated the spread of information during Hosni Mubarak's regime.
On the other hand, social media poses challenges in assessing who is a constituent and the intent behind their messages. The anonymity it provides can lead to aggressive and offensive interactions, particularly targeting minority women politicians. Additionally, the online environment exposes politicians to unintended consequences, such as errors in messaging or engagement with hostile opposition.
While social media has opened new avenues for political participation, it is essential to consider its potential drawbacks. The impact of social media on democracy, including election influence and privacy concerns, remains a critical area of focus. As social media usage continues to grow among politicians, finding a balance between online engagement and offline political actions will be crucial for ensuring effective representation and accountability.
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Politicians' staff members may be responsible for reading and responding to messages
Politicians receive a large volume of messages from constituents, and it is often their staff members who are responsible for reading and responding to these messages. This is due to the sheer number of messages received, which can be in the thousands, making it impractical for politicians to read and respond to every single one. Staff members play a crucial role in managing this communication process.
The staff members' tasks include reading and sorting incoming messages, determining their priority, and drafting responses. They may use various tools and processes to handle the high volume of messages, such as grouping messages by political issues and using templates or ready-made responses. In some cases, they may escalate an issue to the politician's attention, especially if it is a pressing matter or requires a decision.
The mode of communication also plays a role in how messages are handled. For example, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become popular channels for constituents to interact with politicians. However, it can be challenging to assess who is a constituent and the authenticity of the messages. As a result, staff members may need to be cautious and selective in their responses on these platforms.
While staff members handle the majority of messages, there are instances where politicians directly engage with constituents. This could be through town halls, public events, or even personal visits to their local offices. In some cases, politicians may personally respond to messages, especially if they are direct inquiries or require a more personalised response.
It is important to note that the communication process between constituents and politicians is not standardised across the board. Each office may have its own procedures for managing messages, and the level of engagement can vary depending on the individual politician and their staff. However, staff members play an essential role in facilitating this communication and ensuring that constituents' voices are heard.
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Online petitions and apps can send messages to Congress in a single click
The internet has made it easier for constituents to send messages to their political representatives. Messages to Congress quadrupled between 1995 and 2004. However, it is uncertain whether these messages are being read. In fact, a study by the University of Bologna and NYU-Florence political scientist Christian Vaccari found that only one in five emails received a reply within one business day. The majority of the emails, almost two-thirds, went unanswered.
This is where online petitions and apps come in. They provide a convenient and efficient way for people to send messages to Congress with just a single click. For example, Resistbot allows users to send the word "resist" via Apple Messages, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, or text to get started. It then guides users through the process of creating a letter, which can be turned into a campaign to drive emails, faxes, or mail to Congress. Democracy.io, on the other hand, offers a simple tool to email members of the United States House and Senate. With just a few clicks, users can submit one message to their two senators and representative through a single website.
Other apps, such as 5 Calls, provide users with a list of the top issues of the day, which can be filtered by topics like gun safety or immigration. Users can then select a specific issue and are provided with a script to call their representatives. This can be particularly useful for those who are uncomfortable with cold-calling political officials.
While these tools have made it easier for constituents to send messages, it is still challenging to determine whether these messages are reaching the intended recipients and having an impact. As such, some suggest that calling a politician's local office or even visiting in person may be a more effective way to ensure your message is received.
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It is recommended to keep messages short, respectful, and personalised
While it is important to reach out to politicians and make your voice heard, it is recommended to keep messages short, respectful, and personalised. This is because politicians receive a high volume of messages, and often, their staff are tasked with sorting through them.
Firstly, brevity is key. Given the sheer number of messages politicians receive, keeping your message concise will increase the likelihood that it will be read. Focus on making no more than three main points, and stick to them. This will ensure your message is clear and direct.
Secondly, it is essential to remain respectful. Being disrespectful is an easy way to ensure your message is not read or taken seriously. Avoid profanity, and remember that even if the legislator does not align with your political beliefs, you should still maintain a respectful tone.
Lastly, personalising your message can make it more impactful. If the legislation you are writing about will affect you personally, share your story. Explain how it will impact your life and your community. This adds a human element to your message and can make it more compelling. Additionally, if you have any personal connection to the legislator, such as having voted for them or met them before, it is worth mentioning this.
When reaching out to politicians, it is also important to consider the mode of communication. While email is a convenient option, it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded inbox. Calling the politician's local office or even visiting in person can be more effective, as it allows you to speak directly to a staff member and explain why an issue is important to you. Social media is also an increasingly popular way to connect with politicians, as platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide a direct line of communication. However, it can be challenging to assess who is a constituent, and messages can get lost in the shuffle.
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Frequently asked questions
You can contact your politician through email, video messages, phone calls, letters, or social media.
You can call their local office or go there in person and talk to a staffer about why the issue is important to you.
It is unlikely that politicians read all the emails they receive. A study by the Congressional Management Foundation found that less than 50% of constituents who received an email response from a congressional office opened it.
