Bill Johnston Walsh: Educating older Pennsylvanians before Election Day
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Since the 2020 election, Pennsylvania voters have been on a roller-coaster ride, often receiving conflicting information from voices in both Harrisburg and Washington. Do I have to show ID to vote? Can I still vote by mail? Will there be voter drop boxes in my community? If I am disabled, am I allowed to designate someone to drop off my ballot? What is the process for designating someone to be my agent? What does my designated agent need to know and do when serving in this role so my vote counts?
These are just some of the questions we hear from older Pennsylvanians every day.
Americans 50-plus are our nation’s most powerful voters — and they will be the deciders in the 2022 elections. Turnout among Americans 50-plus has long been higher than for any other age group.
In the last midterm election, in 2018, 56% of voters ages 45 to 59 and 66% of voters age 60 and older cast ballots. That compares to a 33% turnout among those ages 18 to 29. Election observers are saying that older Americans are expected to continue to turn out in greater numbers this election cycle than any other age group.
The bottom line is that voters 50-plus are the most important voting bloc and are expected to be 60% or more of the electorate again this year.
AARP Pennsylvania is fighting for voters 50-plus to make their voices heard on the issues that matter. This election, voters report being worried about “pocketbook items,” as every day they are confronted with higher prices for almost everything they’re buying. From gasoline and groceries to prescription drugs and rent, people are struggling.
This is their real-life experience every moment of every day. As they determine how, when and where to cast their vote, they are also looking at caregiving concerns, prescription drug costs, housing concerns, financial stability, taxes, health care and public health issues.
These are among the items on the agenda as voters 50-plus vote and select who will be on the ballot this November for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. senator and Congress, along with state Senate and representatives. Voter education and access have never been more important. AARP Pennsylvania wants to make certain that voters know the latest guidelines and requirements to make their voices heard and their votes count.
AARP’s new statewide voter education campaign is focused on helping communities and all voters cut through the noise and avoid confusion when exercising their right to vote. The AARP Pennsylvania voter guide and other voter resources are available in English and Spanish. Our resources include information on how to register to vote, how to request a mail-in or absentee ballot, what options exist for returning a mail-in or absentee ballot, what is the process for persons with a disability to designate an agent to return their ballot for them, and what are the key deadlines for the 2022 elections, among other things.
AARP has also rolled out a voter education messaging service that users can enroll in simply by texting “PAvotes” — or “PAvota” for Spanish-speaking voters — to 22777. We invite Pennsylvanians to use these materials and stay informed about upcoming elections
It’s a critical year, and there’s a lot at stake for older Pennsylvanians. AARP encourages every voter to check out our helpful resources at www.aarp.org/pavotes to learn more in preparation for voting May 17.
Bill Johnston Walsh is the state director of AARP Pennsylvania.