🗳️ Make Your Voice Heard: How to Find and Contact Your Legislators in New York

Whether you're fighting for education equity, voting rights, or police accountability, knowing how to reach your elected officials is one of the most powerful tools you have as a constituent. Our representatives work for us—but only if we hold them accountable. Here’s how to find and contact your legislators in New York State:

📍 Step 1: Know Who Represents You

New York has multiple layers of elected representation:

• Local officials – such as city council members or county legislators
• State legislators – your State Assemblymember and State Senator
• Federal legislators – your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators

To find your state and federal elected officials, visit the New York State Board of Elections "Who's My Representative?" Tool or use this direct lookup from the New York State Assembly website and New York State Senate site.

You can also check Common Cause’s Find Your Representative tool for a full list based on your address.

📫 Step 2: Reach Out the Right Way

Once you’ve identified your legislators, it’s time to make contact. Here’s how to do it effectively:

🖋️ Write or Email

• Use clear, respectful language.
• State your position and the bill or issue clearly (ex: “I urge you to support the Fair College Admissions Act”).
• Share a personal story if it’s relevant—it makes your message more powerful.
• Include your name, address, and phone number.

💡 Pro tip: Use email for speed, but physical letters can stand out more in a digital age.

📞 Call Their Office

• Ask to speak with the legislative aide responsible for the issue you care about.
• Be brief, clear, and courteous.
• Leave a message if no one answers—calls do get counted.

🗓️ Schedule a Meeting

• Request a meeting (virtual or in-person) with your legislator or their staff.
• Bring a few others from your community if possible. Legislators take group advocacy seriously.

📣 Step 3: Stay Informed and Follow Up

• Track legislation with the NY Senate/Assembly websites.
• Attend town halls and public hearings.
• Follow your representatives on social media and tag them when sharing related posts.
• Thank them when they take action aligned with your advocacy.

🖤 Democracy works when we all participate. Make your voice heard. Contact your legislators today—and bring someone with you.

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