A print version of this article is available.

The circus known as the Regular Legislative Session is quite unique. Lasting only 60 days, the session ends almost as soon as it begins.

It is like stepping into another world: the people look like you, but the customs and manners are as unique as any foreign country.

This guide has a few practical tips that will hopefully ease your frustration and includes a floorplan of the capitol.

Parking

Because space is limited, parking is nothing short of a nightmare. Even though most places are taken, you can usually find something close.

Usually there will be spaces available on the right.

Do not take a place that has a bagged meter. Those spaces are reserved for the employees. If you park there you will incur a significant fine and you will not be able to sleep at night knowing that you, quite possibly, took my parking spot.

If no spaces are available there:

1. Turn left out of the parking lot.
2. Turn right at the stop sign.
3. Turn left at the next street.
4. Laidley Field is on your right. There are usually places to park there.

A shuttle bus comes by every 15 minutes so you won’t have to walk. Just wait at the bus stop.

Navigating the capitol

The capitol can be very confusing. Because the House side is a mirror image of the Senate side, many people get lost or as Daniel Boone attested, “I can’t say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days.”

Here is a PDF of the capitol floor plan. When you arrive, start by visiting the information desk on the ground floor. The ladies there are extremely helpful.

Finding your representative

First go to the information desk on the ground floor in the rotunda and ask for legislative directory. Use that along with the map to find your representative’s office. Your chances of finding a Senator or Delegate in the office are slim, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Also go to the clerk’s office and ask for a schedule of all the committees for the week. Your representative’s committees are listed in the directory. Use it to figure out where your representative should be and stand at the committee doors 15 minutes before it is slated to begin.

Another way to find them is to stand by the Senate chamber doors before the session starts at 11am. Senators never use the main doors and always squeeze in from the side entrance leading to the west wing.

Talking to your representative

When you do finally corral your Senator or Delegate, follow these rules to leave a good impression:

Be respectful of their time

Most Senators have tight schedules with back-to-back meetings. Quickly discuss your issues with them and be done with it. A conversation in a hallway should last no longer then a couple minutes and an office discussion should last no longer than fifteen minutes.

Do not threaten

I have heard constituents end their conversations with, “I’m watching every vote you make and if you don’t support us you’ll never show your face in X county again.”

That may or may not be true, but threatening a representative hardly wins friends and influences people.

Bullet points

If you have a cause, summarize it on a page and leave it with your representative. Because you have a high chance of meeting them in the hallway, a quick conversation will surely leave their mind. Paper in their hands always helps, but make sure it is just a page. Otherwise it might only make it to the nearest trashcan.

Remember, a thought in their hand is worth two in their head.

Follow through

A perfect swing requires follow through. Make sure you phone, email or write your representative within the next day to thank them for taking the time to listen. It is also a good time to gently remind them of what you discussed.

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While you are in the Capitol, look me up in Senator Sprouse’s office to say hi. I would love to meet you.