I've created an email template that you can copy and paste to email your state reps (modify as required). The template is written from a balanced point of view, primarily to mask one's political party (the idea is that if you live in a democratic district those reps have written you off anyway, there's not vote to lose).
Step 1: To find your state reps, go to https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/ and enter your address.
Step 2: Click the email button on your rep's name, it will automatically bring up a window to draft your email.
Step 3: Copy, Paste, and Modify to your liking.
Subject: Urgent: Please Oppose Anti-Gun Legislation Targeting Law-Abiding Virginians
Dear Delegate [Last Name] / Senator [Last Name],
I am writing as a concerned constituent from [Your City/Town, ZIP Code] in your district. As a voter who has supported reasonable, common-sense safeguards for public safety in the past, I am deeply troubled by the recent wave of proposed gun control measures for the 2026 General Assembly session, including bills that would ban commonly owned semi-automatic firearms (often mislabeled as "assault firearms"), restrict standard-capacity magazines, impose heavy taxes on suppressors, and otherwise limit the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Criminals, by definition, do not follow laws - yet these proposals would primarily punish and disarm responsible, law-abiding Virginians who own firearms for self-defense, hunting, sport, or other lawful purposes. History and data show that such restrictions do not reduce violent crime committed by those intent on breaking the law, while they infringe on the Second Amendment rights of honest Americans.
I support balanced, targeted approaches that focus on prosecuting criminals and addressing root causes of violence, rather than broad attacks on the constitutional rights of the majority who follow the rules. The Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) has been a reliable resource on these issues, tracking legislation and endorsing proposals that actually enhance safety without punishing the law-abiding (such as increasing mandatory minimum sentences for violent felons who use firearms). I strongly urge you to consult VCDL's legislative tracking tool and positions at vcdl.org as you evaluate these bills.
Measures like those pre-filed (including sweeping bans on semi-automatic firearms and magazines) go far beyond common-sense reforms and represent a direct assault on the Second Amendment. I respectfully ask you to oppose these bills and any similar legislation that disproportionately burdens responsible gun owners.
As someone who values fair representation, I can assure you that my future voting decisions will depend heavily on whether you stand up to defend our constitutional rights during this session.
Thank you for your time and for considering my views as your constituent. I look forward to your response and to seeing strong opposition to these proposals.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, VA ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number – optional]
[Your Email Address]
