Now more than ever, it makes sense for every American of voting age to know his or her members of Congress, and how to get in touch with them.

The long and contentious government shutdown, which has thrown 800,000 federal workers on furlough during the coldest months, appears to have no end in sight, although votes in the Senate today indicate the sides are trying to find a way out. Our representatives need to hear from us now how we wish it to end.

That shutdown has caused pain in American families from east to west and would never have happened without a few good doses on stubbornness, right or wrong, on both sides of the aisle.

Democrats and Republicans frequently dig in on issues large and small. With an eye toward their next election, it would behoove them to pay attention to everyone—not just the shouting heads on TV and the whispering voices in the back halls of the Capitol—and to do the will of the people who elected them.

And, on the other hand, those of us who...