By Celia Nolan
Picture this: Your elected official starts the day by hearing directly from you. Your opinion is broadcast to the exact community you choose, even a whole state. A campaign for – or against – Ranked Choice Voting – is underway in your area, but people don’t know about it. Until you tell them.
In this scenario, who are you? Maybe a Governor, or a billionaire head of a secret organization that really runs the world? No – just you. And you did it without having to leave home, go on social media, or manage a horde of minions.
The secret to this power: a good old new-fashioned Letter to the Editor. As in the days of print-only journalism, the community leaders – in government, business, non-profits – still read local media outlets diligently. That informs them of what people are thinking, what the pain points are, and who is emerging as a voice for the community.
I found this out by accident. A letter ran in my local paper, making alarming claims about my State Representative, whom I’d never contacted. Now, I’m fine with vocal advocacy, but a quick search revealed the writer worked for an opposition organization, didn’t live in town, and their claims were misleading or plain wrong. That bothered me. So I filled out the online letter-submission form – and forgot about it.
Months later my State Rep ended up next to me at an event. I mumbled my name, and her face lit up. She bubbled over with thanks for writing what I thought was just a simple fact-check. What she knew was that it was a big deal. Voters found out her opponents weren’t playing fair – and it wasn’t her campaign saying so, it was a trusted neighbor. And you bet the organization behind the original letter checked to see how their hit piece was received.
For years, my State Rep brought up that letter, with the same delight every time. A public opinion from a real constituent can make a huge impression – and open the door to a good working relationship with your representatives.
Now in the digital age, you have the ability to reach more people, and move them to action more easily. As I remind my teenagers, anything online can be instantly handed around – which in the case of your letter, is a good thing. Share it, pass it, shout it, bop it! Include a link to your state electoral reform website, an event signup, or photo of people taking action related to your words.
This happened when an RCV ban bill dropped in Ohio. There was no announcement to alert people they might be blocked from choosing their own form of government (the story of our nation’s founding). But Chuck Soder heard about it, and wrote a letter appealing to everyone, regardless of opinion on RCV. And while readers are thinking about it, they can take immediate action: he included links to the Rank the Vote Ohio page and petition, and full details for contacting legislators. Any shadowy mastermind wishes they had that influence!
Here’s where I explain how to write a great letter and get published. I’ll keep it short: join one of our monthly Letter to the Editor workshops (like Chuck did) to start writing, get ideas & feedback, and everything else you need. Sign up today for the next workshop on August 4.
Can’t wait to use the power of your pen fingers? Enter the portal… not to space, but our training portal on Rank the Vote’s Training page to see the Letter List of Fame and publications in every state.
You can also send your letter or request 1-on-1 time with a coach to letterstotheeditor@rankthevote.us.
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Celia Nolan is the Training and Events Director for Rank the Vote.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Rank the Vote, its members, supporters, funders, or affiliates.