Let your state legislators know you support an end the death penalty in Washington. Write a brief, polite, thoughtful, heartfelt letter stating your support for repeal of the death penalty.

 

Find your Legislators:

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Tips for writing your letter:

 

• Use a proper salutation. Address your legislators as Senator or Representative, for example “Dear Representative Smith.”
   

• Introduce yourself. Tell your legislator you are a concerned constituent, a community leader, a member of clergy, etc. Include your address in the header so your legislator knows you live in his/her district.
   

• Get personal, and make your point clear. In the opening paragraph, tell your legislator why you support repeal and that you wish him/her to vote for it.
   

• Always be courteous. Thank your elected official for taking the death penalty seriously. Keep the tone polite and informative. Confrontational or threatening language is not persuasive.
   

• Refer to the specific bills. The bills for the 2017/2018 legislative session are SB 6052 in the Senate and HB 1935 in the House. Urge your elected officials to SUPPORT them.
   

• Offer facts from Washington State. Refer to The Facts section of our website for help.
   

• Use paper! Hand-written letters are particularly effective and will get the most notice.
   

• Be concise. Make the letter no longer than a page (or an email no longer than a few paragraphs).

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Sample letter outline:

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Your name

Your address

Your city, state zip

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Legislator name

Legislator address

Legislator city, state zipDear Senator/Representative _____:

 

Mention in first paragraph:

 

• I am a constituent.

• I am writing in support of repeal of the death penalty. I want you to vote in favor of repeal (including specific bill).

• Thank you for your service to the state and for taking this issue seriously.

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Second/Third paragraph:

 

• Examples of why the death penalty should be repealed

• Details on why I support repeal, why it’s important to me/my family, etc.
   

Last paragraph:

 

• Urge them to support your position on the bill.

• Ask them to respond back letting you know how they plan to vote.

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Sincerely,

Your signature

 

Your printed name

Your address

Your city, state zip

Your phone number

Your email address