Whether you're running a campaign for political office or student government, or lobbying for a cause, you must gather as many votes as possible. One method to encourage people to vote for you or your cause is to write a letter informing people about the benefits of voting in your favor. However, in order for a letter to be an effective campaign tool, it must be well written using techniques of persuasive composition.

Address the letter to the individual whom you are asking to vote for you. Readers are likely to respond to a letter with their name on it than to one with a generic greeting such as "Dear neighbor."

Introduce yourself in the beginning of the letter. Let the recipient know about your background and interest in the office you are running for, or cause for which you are lobbying. Write about why you are qualified for the office you're running for, or why you are passionate about a particular cause. Use this section to show you are knowledgeable, as well as to relate to the reader.

Specify the need for votes. Tell the reader exactly why you need her vote and let her know how she can cast her vote. Also, explain the benefits of choosing to vote in your favor, as well as the cons of voting for the opposing side. Be sure you let the reader know you understand the opposing side and can empathize with it, and then gently persuade the reader to your point of view.

Write clearly and concisely. Express your points thoroughly, but remember that readers have a limited amount of time. Work through the letter until your ideas are expressed in no more than one page, using a simple writing style that will hold the reader's attention. Don't try to use fancy words; if you can say something using a simple term rather than a complex one, do it.

Review and edit the letter for spelling and grammatical errors. Ask someone else to read your letter and offer constructive criticism. A second set of eyes is also helpful in catching errors.

Sign each letter by hand using an ink pen before sealing it in an envelope and addressing for sending.