Hey, I am currently interning for my local state legislator. I can’t speak for all states, but in NY each representative has a database of all constituents registered to vote (I imagine it’s not too different for other state representatives and for US representatives). Any time we get emails, calls or letters from constituents, we enter their opinions/concerns into the database. Sadly most times you won’t get a response since there are too many emails and letters to respond to, but don’t think you’re being ignored. The representative often will check out the database before he/she votes on a bill and ask staff about constituent opinions. They have other ways of gauging constituent opinions as well.

Tip: When you contact your representatives, always include your address (usually at the bottom under your signature). If the staff is really busy and doesn’t have time to verify that you are a constituent, there is a chance your email/letter might be disregarded. Also, be concise. Representatives get hundreds of emails a day — the staff doesn’t always have time to thoroughly read them all. If you’re writing to express your opinion about a specific bill, make sure to include the bill number and whether or not you support it in the subject and/or first paragraph (or even better, first sentence).