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I want to write a serious letter to my local representative. They are my representative because they are the candidate who won in my area, but I didn't vote for them. To be honest, I would never vote for anyone in their party.

Obviously I am not obliged to disclose this in the letter, but is this information actually pertinent to my representative?

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    You didn't specify where or what level of government this representative works, and you didn't specify why you feel compelled to write them. If all you are going to do is rant, you will make yourself appear to be the crazy uncle or aunt everyone hopes does not attend the family holiday feast. Your letter might be circulated amongst staff (for the LOLs), but probably won't reach your representative.
    – David Hammen
    Dec 29, 2022 at 15:45
  • You're perfectly entitled to write to them, and I'd hope that they'd listen to legitimate ideas from constituents regardless of political persuasion. But you have to think why are you writing to them? Calling them slippery devils is also probably not a good idea, unless you are intending to communicate that many people hate them and they should give up and go away (i.e. it's not much use in promoting a particular issue). Sending abuse may be effective in making politicians quit, but is it morally right?
    – Stuart F
    Dec 29, 2022 at 16:12
  • I don't think this has anything to do with politics, but may be a good fit for Interpersonal Skills. I am not sure though if this would fit their on-topic requirements.
    – Jeff Lambert
    Dec 29, 2022 at 16:22
  • @StuartF My joke appears to have derailed the process, I will reframe my question.
    – Lee McGee
    Dec 29, 2022 at 16:44
  • @DavidHammen I am trying to ask a question that helps me understand how local politicians (municipal, town, county/state) think, I think I tried to be too clever, so I've rewritten the question, any further feedback is welcome!
    – Lee McGee
    Dec 29, 2022 at 16:51

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You should focus on the matters that are relevant. Normally if you are contacting a representative, it is because you have some issue with a an aspect of government that is negatively affecting your life and you want their specific aid in achieving something, and something that is within their power. or within their sphere of influence. Or you want to inform your representative on some matter which you feel that they are unaware.

Your voting history is probably irrelevant.

So do include a clear statement of the problem, any relevant details about what you have already done to solve it, and specific requests for what you would like the representative to do. Engage-Present-Inform-CallToAction (EPIC). Don't include your voting history, or any veiled or open promises of future support.

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