[NoGravitas]

I kind of have both experiences. I have frequently contacted my state and federal legislators, leaving messages with their staff, and have never gotten back any message other than a form letter or email stating that they are going to do exactly what they were planning on doing all along. But I'm also reasonably certain that their staff do keep a tally; just that there's plenty of stuff in their political calculus (demographics, gerrymandering, campaign contributions) that means they don't have to pay attention.

The biggest irony is that shortly after I contact any legislator telling them how I oppose their policy position, they start sending me mail asking for campaign contributions.