Girl, Democracy Is Your Business Too. 💅🏽

The midterms are coming, and sitting this one out? Not the move.

Hey GPE girlies! Let's talk about something important: civic responsibility.

We know. Between trying to survive capitalism, protecting our peace, and keeping up with everything happening in the world, politics can feel like ONE MORE THING on an already overflowing plate. But here's the thing, Whether or not you're paying attention to politics, politics is paying attention to you.

That electricity bill that keeps getting higher? Political. The quality of the air you're breathing? Political. Whether your community has access to clean water, affordable housing, and green spaces? You guessed it. POLITICAL. And that's exactly why we need to talk about the 2026 midterm elections happening Tuesday, November 3.

Climate Justice Is on the Ballot, Too.

At Girl Plus Environment, we believe environmental justice isn't just about protecting the planet. It's about protecting PEOPLE, especially Black and Brown communities that have historically carried the greatest burden of environmental harm. And guess what? Many of the issues we advocate for are directly connected to decisions made by elected officials. From energy affordability and environmental protections to public health and community investments, the people we elect help shape the policies that impact our everyday lives.

During the midterms, voters will elect all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, weigh in on U.S. Senate races in participating states, and vote on various state and local offices and ballot measures. Our communities deserve a seat at the table, and civic participation is one way we make our voices heard. But let's be clear, voting isn't the beginning and end of civic engagement. It's ONE tool in our toolbox. Real civic responsibility also means organizing, advocating, attending community meetings, and holding elected officials accountable long after Election Day.

Okay Girlies, Let's Make a Voting Plan! Here are five things to do before heading to the polls:

1. Check your voter registration. Like, TODAY.

Don't assume you're registered just because you've voted before. Double-check your registration status and address. Registration deadlines vary by state, and some have already passed. Visit vote.gov to get started.

2. Know what's on your ballot.

Research the candidates, offices, and ballot measures in your community. Pay attention to where candidates stand on issues that matter to YOU, whether that's climate justice, reproductive health, education, or economic opportunity. We love to use sources like Georgia Conservation Voters to understand where candidates stand on climate justice. Your state or local election office is a great place to find an official sample ballot.

3. Decide HOW and WHEN you're voting.

Early voting? Mail-in ballot? Election Day? Check your state's rules, deadlines, ID requirements, and polling locations.Then put your voting plan on your calendar!

4. Bring the group chat into it.

Who said civic engagement couldn't be a group activity? Remind your friends, family, and coworkers to make their voting plans. Share trusted resources, help someone find their polling location, or coordinate a trip to the polls. Or do what GPE did last year, and Brunch to the Ballots! 

5. Stay engaged AFTER Election Day.

Your civic responsibility doesn't end when the polls close. Follow what your elected officials are doing, attend public meetings, advocate for policies you care about, and continue showing up for your community.

All in all, the girls who get it, get it.

This is your reminder that your voice matters, your community matters, and the future we're working toward deserves our participation. Voting alone won't solve every injustice our communities face. But meaningful change requires us to stay informed, get involved, and keep showing up. At GPE, we're building a movement of Black and Brown women and femmes who aren't waiting for someone else to create change. We're learning, organizing, advocating, and leading in our own communities. And civic engagement is part of that work.

So this election season, we're challenging you to get informed, make your voting plan, and encourage someone else to do the same. Because being THAT girl also means being an informed, engaged, and active member of your community.

Now go make that voting plan, girlie! 💗