Your Opinion Matters: Send a Letter to the Editor

Dear Voter,

Writing Letters to the Editor may seem kind of old-school, but they are still widely read and remain an effective way to share your concerns about issues and why you support political candidates, whether they are running for national, statewide or local positions. Luckily for us Clackamas County residents, there still exist outlets that want to share your thoughts with readers. Just search for “newspapers in Clackamas County” for a list.

Below is helpful guidance for writing an effective Letter to the Editor, courtesy of the Jamie McLeod-Skinner campaign. McLeod-Skinner and Janelle Bynum are the Democrats running for the US House of Representatives, 5th District, and we’ve endorsed both candidates for the May Primary. See the list of all the candidates we’ve endorsed.

Sincerely yours,

Democratic Party of Clackamas County

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TIPS & GUIDELINES

What’s the topic of your letter? Think about what issues inspire or motivate you and share why you think they are important. Is it health care? Climate change? Public lands? The treatment of Veterans? Be specific.

Pick something personal. How does this issue affect you and your family? Your job? Your future? Think about the story you have to tell.

Check the newspaper’s website to see what the guidelines are for LTEs.· Most newspapers limit LTEs to once a month.

Remember: Every newspaper has a word limit. Most want under 250 words.

It helps to write a quick, one-sentence “mission statement: ”My letter is about [your issue/or why electing a certain candidate for office is so important.] Post it next to your computer screen or tablet. Stick to it!

In true newspaper style, keep your sentences and your paragraphs short. Your letter may have complex ideas, but they should be told in simple sentences.

Think of the letter as having three parts:

1. You need a “hook” — something to grab your reader’s attention. It should be a strong statement. Say why you are concerned, or what is bothering you, or exactly what you want your audience to know.

2. Back up your statement with facts.

   • If you can include a personal story here, great!

   • Otherwise, support it with whatever facts you have.

   • Focus on one basic argument (maybe two). Make your point.

3. Wrap up your letter with a direct ask. What do you want to happen?

POLISH YOUR WORK

• Read what you’ve written out loud. A good letter will sound like you are talking to a neighbor over your kitchen table. Write like you speak. No need to get fancy.

• Read it out loud to someone. Did they understand what you are trying to say? Did they follow your argument? Did you make them care?

• Make sure these are your words. Editors don’t like it when you copy someone else.

• Count your words. Don’t include the greeting or your name. How did you do? If you’re over the word limit, tighten it up. Otherwise, editors will do it for you, and the result may change the meaning of your words.

SEND YOUR LETTER

Always include your name, address and telephone number so the editors can contact you if they wish to confirm you as the source. They will include your name, but not your contact information.