1) Visit http://www.votesmart.org and input your zip code. It's really helpful to put in your full 9 digit code (Zip+4) because some towns are split districts and you will get an accurate result.
2) Make note of your legislators. You will have a senator and two assembly members. Your senator is of particular importance. If you can only make one call, make it this person. (Note: If your representative is Dick Codey, Stephen Sweeney, or Paul Sarlo, it is IMPERATIVE you call. See below.)
3) Some other people you may want to be in contact with:
Senator Richard Codey
Senate President
973.731.6770
Senator Stephen Sweeney
Democratic Majority Leader
856.251.9801
Senator Paul Sarlo
Deputy Majority Leader
Judiciary Committee Chair
201.804.8118
**If you are told that you are not a constituent, you can say: “I’m calling your office because the Senator holds a leadership position that impacts the entire state."
4) Call your representative! Remember, you are their boss! The person who answers will be some type of receptionist or intern. Their job is to write down messages and give them to the representative. You may even get voice mail. That's perfect, just leave the message and they will get it. Make sure to leave a phone number in case they want to reach you with questions.
Here is an example of what you should say. It doesn't have to be exact, but should be along these lines. It's ok to read this:
Hi, my name is _____________ and I am one of Senator/Assembley(wo)man ___________________'s constituents in ______________ (your town) and I'd like to leave a message.
I'm calling today because I support marriage equality for same-sex couples in New Jersey, and I'd like to know why so many states are ahead of us in enacting legislation. Yesterday (April 29th), New Hampshire's legislature approved a marriage equality bill in their state. I think it's clear that the time is now for New Jersey to provide equal rights for same-sex couples. Please tell the Senator/Assembley(wo)man that I support same-sex marriage equality in New Jersey and he/she should too!
That's it!!
**When you call Dick Codey's office, change the last line to "Please tell Senator Codey that I support same-sex marriage equality in New Jersey and I am strongly urging him to introduce such legislation." We know Senator Codey is a supporter. But he is the one who has to introduce the bill to be voted on, so if he doesn't put out the bill, no one votes.
a) The person will say "OK thank you I'll tell them."
b) The person may ask you for a little more information like your phone number or address.
c) The person may tell you something else. For example, they may say "Assemblyman So-and-so supports marriage equality." Or they may say that they don't (see below). If you do get information along those lines, feel free to pass it on to Contact@GardenStateEquality.org. Include which legislative office you spoke with, what the office said, as well as your own name and hometown.
5) Some additional thoughts:
If you are a heterosexual supporter of same-sex marriage, it can be valuable to mention that as well. Some representatives are interested in hearing from straight supporters. I'm sure you can find an appropriate place to mention that above!
Please note that if you are in District 12, Senator Jen Beck's district, and you are a clergy member, be SURE to mention that! She is particularly interested in hearing from clergy on this, so it's very important that she knows you are a religious leader and that you support marriage equality! She is also a Republican, so let her know if you are too! It will be helpful for her to hear that members of her party are in favor of her voting for marriage equality!
You may encounter someone who tells you that the representative does not support marriage equality for same-sex couples. Do NOT engage in negative language. You can thank them anyway and hang up. Or you can tell them "Then I'd also like to remind Senator/Assembly(wo)man _________ that he/she works for the people in his/her district and I expect him/her to vote according to what his/her constituents support, not his/her own personal bias." Then report as above.
Congratulations! You just had a hand in your legislative process! Visit www.gardenstateequality.org for more info on how you can help!
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