Our voice. Our vote. Our power.

Throughout September, our AFA Government Affairs Committee highlighted how legislative advocacy impacts our work and daily lives as Flight Attendants. By breaking down the role of AFA Government Affairs, explaining the legislative process, encouraging civic engagement, and demonstrating the vital importance of FlightPAC, the campaign showed how our union’s voice is built at every level of government.

Now, as the 2026 midterm election approaches, we must turn that understanding into action. Every Flight Attendant needs the information and resources to participate, regardless of base or residence. From aviation safety standards and collective bargaining rights to healthcare and workplace protections, elections directly determine who represents us in decisions affecting our careers. With our unpredictable schedules and time away from home, planning ahead is critical to ensuring our collective voice is heard at the ballot box.

Why Elections Matter To Flight Attendants

AFA advocates on issues affecting Flight Attendants, including:

• Aviation safety and cabin air quality
• Collective bargaining rights and worker protections
• Fair wages, benefits, and retirement security
• Paid family and medical leave
• Workplace health and safety
• Federal aviation policy and regulatory oversight

As emphasized during our September Focus Month, Congress and other elected officials make pivotal decisions involving these exact priorities. Understanding the legislative process allows us to evaluate candidates effectively and hold decision-makers accountable. Participating in the 2026 midterm election is a direct extension of our union’s legislative advocacy, ensuring our work in Washington is backed by our strength at the ballot box.

Learn more about AFA’s legislative priorities: https://www.afacwa.org/vote

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE VOTING BY MAIL: Once you receive your ballot, complete it and mail it immediately or drop it off at designated ballot drop-off locations in your county. Do not wait until the last minute—prompt action helps ensure your vote is counted on time.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO VOTE IN PERSON: We strongly encourage you to take advantage of early voting options. Given the unpredictable nature of Flight Attendant schedules, making a plan to vote early ensures unexpected trips or delays won’t keep you from making your voice heard.

Voting Resources 

AFA-CWA Vote 411: vote411.org/afacwa

ACLU Your Voting Rights: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights#scenarios

Report any election issues: 

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Call or text
• 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
• 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683) (Asian multilingual assistance)

California Important Election Dates

• October 24: Early in-person voting begins at vote centers in Voter’s Choice Act counties
• October 31: Early voting locations available statewide
• November 3: Election Day – polls open 7 AM to 8 PM

Vote-by-Mail Reminder: Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 10. However, PLEASE do not wait until the last minute. Mail your ballot right away after completing. Voters can also use official ballot drop boxes or return ballots in person at their polling location.

California Resources

• Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections
• Register to Vote: https://registertovote.ca.gov
• Check Registration: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov
• Early Voting Locations: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov

Washington Important Election Dates

• October 16 onward: Ballots mailed to registered voters. Please complete your ballots and mail right away or drop off at designated drop-off locations. 
• October 26: Deadline for online registration and receipt of mailed voter registration applications
• November 3: Election Day. In-person registration and voting available until 8 PM.

Vote-by-Mail Reminder: Washington conducts elections primarily by mail. Ballots must be postmarked by November 3 or deposited in an official ballot drop box by 8 PM on Election Day.

Official Washington Resources

• Secretary of State: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections
• Register, Update Registration, or Track Your Ballot: https://votewa.gov
• Election Dates and Deadlines: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/elections-calendar/dates-and-deadlines

Hawaii Important Election Dates

Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail. Active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot.

• October 16: Ballots expected to arrive in voters’ mailboxes
• October 20: Voter Service Centers open for early in-person voting and same-day registration
• October 20 to November 2: Early in-person voting available at designated centers (excluding Sundays; hours vary).
• October 26: Deadline for paper voter registration applications
• October 27: Deadline to request a ballot mailed to an alternate address
• November 3: Election Day. Voter Service Centers open for voting and same-day registration

IMPORTANT: Hawaii ballots must be RECEIVED by 7 PM Hawaii time on November 3. A November 3 postmark alone is not sufficient. Flight Attendants who have not mailed their ballots should consider an official ballot drop box or Voter Service Center to meet the deadline.

Official Hawaii Resources

• Hawaii Office of Elections: https://elections.hawaii.gov
• Register or Check Registration: https://olvr.hawaii.gov
• Voter Service Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes: https://elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit/
• Track Your Ballot: https://hawaii.ballottrax.net/voter/

Flight Attendants Residing In Other States

A key takeaway from September’s civic engagement focus is that our strength relies on full participation across every council and domain. We recognize that our members reside throughout the United States and abroad, regardless of where they are assigned for work. The following resources are tailored to support Flight Attendants voting from any jurisdiction:

Your voting deadlines and eligibility requirements are determined by the state and jurisdiction where you are registered to vote,  not necessarily where you are based for work. Each state has its own requirements for voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, identification, and ballot return deadlines.

Nationwide Voter Resources

AFA-CWA Vote411 (www.vote411.org/afacwa)

A nationwide, nonpartisan resource to:

• Check voter registration information
• Find state-specific election deadlines
• Research candidates and ballot measures
• Find polling locations
• Review absentee and early voting options

U.S. Election Assistance Commission (https://www.eac.gov/voters)

• Federal election information, voter registration resources, and links to state election offices

Federal Voting Assistance Program (https://www.fvap.gov)

• Information for eligible military and overseas voters, including absentee ballot requests and voting while living abroad

Endorsements

AFA Endorsements: https://www.afacwa.org/endorsements

CWA Endorsements: https://cwa-union.org/national-issues/legislation-and-politics/cwa-political/candidates

State Labor Federations/Labor Councils 

• California Federation of Labor Unions: https://calaborfed.org/labor-2026-primary-election-endorsements/
• Washington State Labor Council: https://wslc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-WSLC-election-endorsements.pdf
• Hawaii State AFL-CIO: https://www.hawaflcio.org/endorsements/

Flight Attendants residing in other states can also explore state and local labor council resources through the AFL-CIO.

Phone Banking Opportunities

Building on the momentum of our September Focus Month, staying engaged means helping elect leaders who stand with working families. If you have free time and want to get more involved this election cycle, consider volunteering for one of these phone banking opportunities to support labor-friendly candidates!

Every Wednesday with AFL-CIO: Alaska AFL-CIO Statewide: including AFA- Endorsed candidates Mary Peltola and Bill Hill

Daily: Angie Nixon FL – AFA endorsed candidate for US Senate

Every Thursday in October with CWA: CWA National Phone Banking

AFL-CIO: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays w/ AFL-CIO

If you participate in any of the above phone banks or have been participating in any other election or campaign work for labor-friendly candidates this election cycle, please fill out this Google Form. Our Members are active within and outside of our Union and we would like to know about it! Please contact your Local Government Affairs Committee if you have any questions or need support. 

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference.

We started this month with a simple goal: to show how what happens in Washington, D.C., directly impacts our everyday work on the aircraft.

4 Key Takeaways From September

If you didn’t get a chance to catch every video this month, here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

1. Federal Laws Create Our Baseline: When safety and rest rules are written into federal law, we can focus on contractual gains rather than having to protect those basics during negotiations.
2. Voting Protects Our Work Environment: The lawmakers we elect make key decisions on aviation oversight, cabin safety standards, and labor rights.
3. FlightPAC Gives Us a Seat at the Table: Funded strictly by voluntary Member donations—not union dues—FlightPAC helps us build non-partisan relationships with lawmakers who support Flight Attendant issues.
4. We’re Stronger Together: The coming together of Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants gives us a louder, more effective voice when standing up for our profession.

Watch: Government Affairs Focus Month Wrap-Up

Don’t miss the final video in our Focus Month series! MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal wraps up the month, thanks everyone for their participation, and shares a look at what’s ahead.

Game Plan for Election Day

With elections just around the corner, now is the perfect time to put what we covered into action. Here are four simple steps to make sure your voice is heard:

1. Verify Your Registration: State rules and deadlines change often. Double-check that your address and registration details are up to date today. Check out vote411.org/afacwa for easy-to-use resources.
2. Plan Around Your Schedule: Layovers, delays, and last-minute reroutes happen. If there’s any chance you’ll be on a trip on Election Day, request a mail-in or absentee ballot right away.
3. Check Candidate Labor Records: Take a quick look at where candidates stand on key issues like aviation safety, worker protections, and union rights before filling out your ballot.
4. Get Involved: Want to contribute? Consider signing up to contribute to FlightPAC or joining your Local Government Affairs Committee. Get started by reading more at afaalaska.org/governmentaffairs.

By staying informed and voting, we protect our jobs, our contract, and our shared future. Thank you for all that you do!