Participate by giving public comment on items of interest to you. You are an important stakeholder – the state and federal government need to hear from you!
By Your Lawmakers
State of Delaware Legislature
State of New Jersey Legislature
United States Congress
United States Senate
At Public Meetings
In Delaware
In New Jersey
Provide Public Input on Issues and Initiatives Important to the Bay
By commenting at public meetings:
Be relevant. Your comments will be most effective if they pertain to an issue currently being considered by a governmental body. If you are asking for a specific action, make sure the governmental body you are addressing is able to influence or take action on the issue.
Be on time. Public meetings begin promptly and opportunities for members of the public to comment on an issue occur at a specified time on the agenda or during the public comment period at the end of the meeting. Once you arrive at the meeting, be sure to get on the speakers list for the meeting. Even if you not speak at the meeting, sign the meeting attendance sheet so that there is record of public interest in the issue.
Be prepared and plan your statement ahead of time. The amount of time allotted for public comment is generally very limited, usually three to five minutes per person. You may wish to use notes, speak from a written statement, or develop a short briefing that can be distributed to each legislator. It may also be effective to offer a solution as part of your statement (i.e., “For these reasons, I ask that you consider . . .”). If you prepare a written statement or briefing, you may wish to provide each legislator and the clerk or recorder for the meeting a copy of the prepared materials.
Use a microphone if it is available. It provides room amplification and sound for any media broadcasts at the meeting. Take time to adjust the microphone so you are comfortable speaking into it, or ask for help adjusting it. Speak in a normal tone with your mouth 5 - 12 inches away from the microphone. Leave the microphone in the microphone stand while you are speaking to ensure consistency in the level of volume while you are speaking.
Be brief and to-the-point. Introduce yourself: state your name, affiliation (if any), and purpose for attending the meeting. You will be held to a time limit, so clearly state your position on the issue and articulate your most important points. If you are part of a group, consider limiting the number of individuals who speak. Consider delivering the message and then asking all who agree to stand for a moment. You may also ask those in agreement to sign a statement and then submit it at the public meeting.
If you have asked a question or want a response from the legislators, ask for a reply or the most appropriate way to follow up on the issue or initiative.
By calling your legislator:
Be prepared. Before calling, write down the:
• name and number of the legislation or ordinance you are calling about,
• action you are requested of the decision-maker, and
• two or three reasons why this action is important.
State your position. When your call is answered, state your name, address, and the election district from which you are calling. [You can identify your district by using the on-line polling place locator at http://pollingplace.delaware.gov or call 866-276-2353 and choose Department of Elections (option 3).] Use your notes to identify the issue you are calling about and speak specifically about the issue of concern, why the issue is important, and what action you are requesting. Ask for questions and when any action may be taken on the issue or initiative.
By writing to a decision-maker:
Write to your legislators currently working on the issue. Legislators are accountable to their constituents and members of the public and written letters provide evidence of and information about constituents’ concerns. To identify your governmental representatives, you will need to know your district number. [You can identify your district by using the on-line polling place locator at http://pollingplace.delaware.gov or call 866-276-2353 and choose Department of Elections (option 3).] To identify your legislator, link to http://www.delaware.gov/egov/portal.nsf/portal/elected or contact the Department of Elections in your County government office (New Castle County Department of Elections: 302-577-3464; Kent County Department of Elections: 302-739-4498; Sussex County Department of Elections: 302-856-5367). Ask for the names of committee members and decision-makers currently working on the issue or initiative and contact them as well.
Be brief and to-the-point. Limit the length of the letter, preferably to one page. The first paragraph of the letter should identify the issue or name/number of the initiative you are commenting on and request any action you wish the decision-maker to take. Include in the second paragraph of the letter two to three reasons why the requested action is important and why you are concerned about the issue. The final paragraph should restate your position and the requested action.
Compose your letter on personal or business stationary and include a return address for future correspondence. If the issue is timely and scheduled for discussion at a public meeting, consider calling your representative or attending the meeting.
By emailing a decision-maker:
Email your legislators and other decision makers currently working on the issue of concern. In the subject line of the email, include the bill number and/or name of the issue of concern. To identify your governmental representatives and their emails addresses, link to http://www.delaware.gov/egov/portal.nsf/portal/elected or contact the Department of Elections in your County government office (New Castle County Department of Elections: 302-577-3464; Kent County Department of Elections: 302-739-4498; Sussex County Department of Elections: 302-856-5367). Ask for the names of other committee members and decision-makers currently working on the issue or initiative and contact them as well.
Be brief and to-the-point. Limit the length of the email, preferably to one full screen. The first paragraph of the email should identify the issue or name/number of the initiative you are commenting on and request any action you wish the decision-maker to take. Include in the second paragraph of the email two to three reasons why the requested action is important and why you are concerned about the issue.
Include a “signature” at the bottom of the email with your name, a postal address and an email address. If the issue is timely and scheduled for discussion at a public meeting, consider writing or calling your representative or attending the meeting.
NOTE: Emails are not considered to be as effective a means of providing public comment as appearing at public meetings, calling, or writing letters. However, it is by far better to comment on an issue via email than not to comment at all.
Acknowledgements: This guide incorporates ideas and suggestions from civic engagement guides developed for the Seattle Audubon Society and Tompkins County Legislature (Ithaca, New York).