Sending a letter to the editor is a great way to ensure accurate facts about the death penalty are given, and to let Louisianan’s know their neighbors support repeal. Consider writing a letter to the editor to your local paper. Information is listed below, but if you’d like individual help with a letter, we’re available, just email us here.
Instructions & links to submit a letter to your local paper:
- The Advocate (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Acadiana, or Gambit): submit with this form
- The Shreveport Times: submit with this form
- American Press (Lake Charles): submit with this form
- Lafayette Daily Advertiser: submit with this form
- Monroe News Star: submit with this form
- The Town Talk (Alexandria): submit with this form
- The Courier & Daily Comet (Houma): instructions to submit here
- The Daily Iberian (New Iberia): submit with this form
- The Hammond Daily Star: submit with this form
If you want some facts to include in your letter check out our fact sheets about the reasons to REPEAL.
Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor
- Follow the word count rules. Most papers have word count limits of anywhere from 100-250 words. If you aren’t sure of your paper’s word count limits, err on the side of caution and keep your writing around 150 words.
- Be timely. The sooner after an event or news story that a letter is submitted the more likely it will be considered relevant and be published.
- Stay on message. Be sure to get the most out of your limited space by sticking to the talking points that have been designed to be the most effective. Try to develop one or two points instead of merely listing 3 or 4.
- Be succinct.
- Ensure your message is clear and free from jargon. We have all given much more thought to these issues than most people so it becomes easy for us to slip into jargon or take short cuts with our explanations. Avoid this! The goal of these letters is to educate the public about an issue they haven’t given much thought to.
- Be specific. If your letter is in response to a particular event or news story mention that event or story by name.
- Honey, not vinegar. Always remain polite – even when voicing frustration or anger over a story. There’s always a calm way to express an opposing view.
- Speak from your heart. Stay on message, but do it as yourself. Explain the issue like you would if you were talking to a friend or neighbor.