By Rep. Heather Scott | Originally published at Rep. Heather Scott’s Substack
In a representative government, no one agrees with their elected officials 100% of the time. Disagreement is part of the process. How citizens choose to respond when their elected official votes differently than expected or does something they don’t agree with can make a substantial difference in the outcome sought.
When a trusted legislator casts a vote that doesn’t align with your values or desires, the most effective path forward is one grounded in respectful and active engagement and fact-based advocacy. Here’s a guide for Idahoans on how to constructively work with their elected representatives, when you disagree with a decision they make.
Be Informed and Precise
Before reaching out to your representative, take time to understand the issue in question. Read the actual legislative text, take note of the bill number, and learn who sponsored it. The Idaho Legislature’s website is a helpful resource for verifying a bill’s status and history. Avoid basing your opinion solely on headlines, gossip, or social media posts! Nothing is more persuasive than a constituent who demonstrates a solid understanding of the facts.
Communicate Directly and Respectfully
Direct communication matters. Whether you’re calling or emailing, make your message concise, thoughtful, and personal. Explain how the issue directly affects you, your family, business, or community. Always maintain a respectful tone, even when you disagree. A well-worded comment like, “Thank you for your hard work, but I have real concerns about Bill XYZ and how it might affect small businesses in our district,” is more likely to open dialogue than a confrontational message.
Organize Your Voice with Others
Your voice is powerful, but a group of respectful, informed voices is even more impactful. Encourage others in your community to speak up and engage. Avoid using cookie-cutter scripts or email templates. Lobbyists actually use these petitions and mass emails and surveys to collect your data so they can request donations in the future by using targeting messaging. Authenticity resonates. When multiple constituents share sincere concerns, it helps legislators better understand the needs and priorities of their district.
Participate in the Process
Show up when it matters. Public testimony, whether by Zoom, in-person at the Capitol, or submitted in writing, can influence outcomes. If traveling to a public hearing isn’t possible, attend local events, coffee talks, or virtual town halls. Whether in person or online, engaging face-to-face demonstrates commitment and leaves a lasting impression.
Stay Professional, Not Personal
Remember that legislators consider many viewpoints when making decisions. They also get a lot of in-depth information on the topic. Public shaming and personal attacks are unlikely to change a vote and may damage relationships. Instead, ground your argument in defensible facts, shared values, and constitutional principles. Make sure to include personal experiences. These approaches are far more effective in getting your legislator to understand your point and change their thinking.
What Should You Do When You Don’t Get a Response?
Idaho legislators are often referred to as “part time legislators”, although many make it a full-time job. Many legislators have other careers and full-time jobs that they work when they are not in session (January-March).
Balancing a full-time job, a legislative job, and a family isn’t easy. Idaho legislators are paid $25,000 per year and have no personal staff (only volunteers). Most represent around 50,000-55,000 voters.
If you don’t get a response, DON’T assume they are ignoring you! There is a really good chance they may have not received the message or could be researching the topic for legislation.
I personally receive over 300 communications per day through texts, email, phone calls, letters, social messaging, and in person. I physically cannot respond to everyone, and several messages can be missed or delayed. I recommend that if you need a response, and don’t get it, try a different way to connect. If you sent an email with no response, try a phone call or text. Make sure to leave a message. And when that doesn’t work, show up at an event, or join a Zoom town hall.
Don’t give up!
Remember, we are a republic! It takes eternal vigilance, not just at election time, but every day. Good government is the result of good citizens communicating and engaging in government.
About Heather Scott
Heather Scott currently represents the 2nd Legislative District in the Idaho House of Representatives, having first been elected in 2014. She also serves as co-chair of the Idaho Freedom Caucus. Visit her website for more information: https://repheatherscott.com/
