Which mode of communication carries the most weight with Congresspersons?

[MineralMan]

23. Yes. Unless you are a constituent, whatever you say will pretty much be ignored.

It's far more effective to communicate with your own legislators. If you don't live in their district, or state in the case of Senators, what you want them to do is pretty much ignored universally by members of both parties.

When a staffer is asked the question you mentioned, they want to see what the constituent count is on both sides of the question. That's the only thing they care about, since those are people who will vote in the next election. In addition, people who make contact are also likely to be influencers, because it takes some effort to communicate in the first place.

However, if your congressmember greets you by name when you encounter him or her in person, then you are likely on a list the staffer has pretty much memorized. Your communication is far more likely to actually get to the member.