A bunch of questions about contacting representatives

Factual Questions
1

I guess I have more than one question. I hope that’s okay.

Let’s say there’s a specific bill up for votes.

At what point in the legislative process is it too late for a constituent to contact their representative via telephone or email? If the vote is happening later that day, is there any chance that counts?

That week?

Is there some kind of schedule posted that shows what votes are coming up at what time? Or even a newsletter or app?

I’m asking this as a chronic procrastinator who wants to become more politically engaged. When I hear a vote is happening “soon,” it means nothing to me and I start rationalizing “Oh, it’s too late.”

Also, could you theoretically contact a representative about every single bill, separately, or is there some kind of limit on the number of calls/emails that will be tallied?

How does this process actually work? “Gosh, we’re receiving lots of calls against this bill, better not vote on it.”

Or, “We’ve received 10,000 for and 20,000 against.”

Or, “Wow, this one email was really persuasive!”

Does it make sense to contact a rep you know will vote in your favor? Does it make sense to contact about an issue you know nobody else is calling about? Do you try to appeal to the politics of the representative even if you don’t share them? For example, “I oppose the bill because it will add to the deficit” vs “I oppose the bill because it will exacerbate poverty” when you know that politician cares more about the deficit than poverty.

I appreciate any resources you can send my way.

2

Early and often is best, but late is better than never. Even if it doesn’t change their vote, they at least know they are in hot water if a bunch of constituents call complaining about their record, and as much as they are chasing donor money they also need votes. Katie Porter got herself elected against long odds because her opponent took it for granted that people would vote for him over a screechy law professor talking about household expenses and grilling pharma execs.

It also helps if you have a lot of spare time like this scruffy-looking retired guy.

Stranger

3

Very little, regardless of when you call or email. But a whole lot of “very littles” do add up.

Call every day if you like - they’re not going to put you on a black list. When you call, they’ll record your name, if you’re a constituent, what topic/bill you’re calling on, and how you wanted the Congressperson to vote. Make it brief, but make your case.

4

I’m not a US resident, so don’t know the legislative process there in any detail, but House Bills to be considered in the current week are listed at this site:

5

In practice, all the representative is going to see is how many constituents expressed an opinion for and against, by which medium. Usually, means of contact that require more effort are assumed to carry more weight. The only way that eloquence can matter is if you write something so eloquent that they quote that particular letter in their campaign speeches (but if you didn’t write that eloquently, they’ll just quote someone else instead).

6

Thank you, that’s great!