LWV of Lakewood Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I register to vote?
Voter registration is required by the Ohio Constitution. Registration is permanent unless the elector moves, changes his or her name, or fails to vote in a four-year period. Registration lists are kept by county boards of elections, and registration or change in registration may take place at any board of elections office.

You can register at
Lakewood Public Library
15425 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood OH 44107
216-226-8275
or
by mail: To have a voter registration form mailed to you, call 1-800-753-8683. Forms may be requested by mail or in person; they may be returned by mail, in person, or by a third person.

How do I write my representative?

Why and How (Courtesy of the League of Women Voters of Ohio)

Your governmental representatives look forward to "opinions from the grassroots." They want to keep in close touch with their voters, and letters are the best indication of what those voters are thinking. Don't hesitate to write for fear of imposing on them. If you have something to say that you think should be called to their attention, do so. The mail gets top priority with most elected officials because every letter represents a potential vote. Most representatives, in the interest of retaining their seats, want to keep the voters happy.

Do's and Don'ts (Courtesy of the League of Women Voters of Ohio)

Do address your representative properly.

Do write legibly. Handwritten letters are fine if they are readable.

Do be brief and to the point; discuss only one issue; identify a bill by number or title if possible.

Do use your own words and your own stationery.

Do be sure to include your address and sign your name legibly. If your name could be either masculine or feminine, identify your sex. If you have family, business, or political connections related to the issue, explain.

Do be courteous and reasonable.

Do write when your representative does something of which you approv.

Do include pertinent editorials from local papers.

Do write early in the session before a bill has been introduced if you have ideas you would like to see incorporated in legislation. If you are lobbying for or against a bill, and your representative is a member of the committee to which it has been referred, write when the committee begins hearings. If your representative is not a member of the committee handling the bill, write just before the bill comes to the floor.

Do write the chairman or committee members holding hearings on legislation in which you are interested. Remember, you have more influence with the senator or representative from your district than with other legislators.

Don't sign and send either a form letter or one that has been photocopied.

Don't begin on the righteous note of "as a citizen and taxpayer." Your representative assumes you are a citizen and knows we all pay taxes.

Don't apologize for writing and taking up your representative's time. If your letter is short and expresses your opinion, he or she is glad to give you a hearing.

Don't be rude or threatening. It won't get you anywhere.

Don't be vague. Some letters received are couched in such general terms that it leaves the representative wondering what the writer had in mind.

Don't ignore your representative and write to one from another district just because you disagree politically with yours.

Don't send a carbon copy to your senator when you have addressed the letter to your representative. Write to each one individually; it's the courteous thing to do.

Proper Salutations and Closings for Letters to Officials:

Federal

PRESIDENT
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Very respectfully yours,

VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. Vice President:

Sincerely yours,

U.S. SENATOR
The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator (Name):

Sincerely yours,

U.S. CONGRESSPERSON
The Honorable (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative (Name):

Sincerely yours,

State

GOVERNOR
The Governor
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Governor (Name)

Sincerely yours,

OHIO SENATOR
The Honorable (Name)
Ohio Senate
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Senator (Name):

Sincerely yours,

OHIO REPRESENTATIVE
The Honorable (Name)
Ohio House of Representatives
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43266-0603

Dear Representative (Name):

Sincerely yours,

Home
History
Membership
Links:
League of Women Voters - Cuyahoga Area
League of Women Voters Ohio
League of Women Voters National

Presented by Lakewood Public Library