The 118th Congress had a somewhat inauspicious beginning, taking most of a week and 15 ballots before House Republicans were finally able to elect their speaker.

While this does create some questions about the ability of this party to govern moving forward, and with the Senate and White House in Democratic hands, stalemate on issues that matter to many Americans, from immigration to inflation, may continue to be a real possibility.

But perhaps some common ground can yet be reached. While elections are the main way for average Americans to have input in the course of our nation’s affairs, constituents can also help guide the ship of state by reaching out to their elected representatives to let them know their feelings on a particular issue, proposal or bill.

Gloucester and Mathews counties are represented in Congress by three men—Republican Rep. Rob Wittman and Democratic Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

Here is some information on those three legislators, and how to reach ...