How to participate in the lawmaking process

Contact a legislator

There are several ways to contact a legislator:

• Look up your legislator’s contact information in our list of all Representatives and Senators
• Send your legislator a comment on a bill
• Schedule an appointment to visit your legislator
• Attend a legislator’s town hall meeting in your district
• Write a letter to your legislator

Participate in a committee meeting

During the legislative session, you can sign in to a committee meeting to:

• Register to testify in person or remotely
• Submit written testimony on a bill
• Ask us to note your opinion on a bill

For more information, learn how to testify at a committee meeting.

Accessibility for committee meetings

Need help with testifying or attending a committee meeting? Visit our accessibility help page for information about:

• Reasonable accommodations
• Interpretation in other languages

Call us with questions or comments

Not sure where to start? Call us toll-free at 800-562-6000 to ask questions or leave a message about any issue.

How your participation affects our laws

Every year, the Legislature meets to make decisions. The goal is to agree on issues affecting Washington’s citizens and future. The process involves working together to make important choices that help everyone.

Legislators rely on information from staff, state agencies, and lobbyists, but what they do depends on citizens’ opinions. This is exactly how the lawmaking process is supposed to work. It’s based on a close, open, and positive relationship between you and your legislators.

The lawmaking process is a way for us all to contribute to our state. No matter what your opinion is, your participation makes a difference.

Tips for participating

However you choose to get involved, follow the tips below to make the most of your participation.

Know how the process works

To participate effectively, you’ll need a basic understanding of the lawmaking process. For more information, you can:

• Call the Legislative Information Center at 360-786-7573
• Call your legislator's office
• Read the how a bill becomes a law page
• Learn how to read a bill
• Listen to or watch videos of committee meetings on TVW to see how they work

Become an expert

Before contacting your legislator about an issue, find out: 

• Who it affects
• What others think about it
• How it will affect the future

By doing research, you’ll sound more confident and credible.

Get to know your legislators

The best way to get to know your legislators is to meet them during the months between legislative sessions.

While you may have disagreements, you can still work with them and have a positive relationship. Remember: Your legislators are also your neighbors. Learn who they are as people and find things you agree on.

Get to know legislative staff

Legislators rely on their staff for information. Staff members always appreciate new sources of clear and correct information, and your personal knowledge and experience can provide an important perspective. They can also give you current information.

Work with other citizens

Many people are part of organizations that care about the same issues as you. You’re much more likely to be effective by working together than by yourself.

Be prepared and polite

No matter how often you contact your legislators, follow this advice:

• Be prepared for your discussions
• Provide written statements with verbal presentations
• Make letters and emails formal, specific, and short
• Don't get upset or argue with your legislator
• Thank them for their time and ask to speak again in the future