Bill Johnston-Walsh: The power of the 50-and-older vote in Pa.
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As we approach the 2024 elections, the significance of the 50-and-older voter in Pennsylvania cannot be overstated.
According to AARP Pennsylvania’s recent poll conducted by the bipartisan polling team of Fabrizio-Ward and Impact research, 90% of voters ages 50 and older say they are “extremely motivated” to vote in this election, a 6 point increase since May. Election observers say that older Americans are expected to continue to turn out in greater numbers this election cycle than any other age group.
In the 2020 presidential election, 55% of the electorate was age 50-plus. In 2022, our impact grew: Voters over 50 made up 62% of the electorate despite being about 39% of the commonwealth’s total population.
This demographic holds considerable sway over the direction U.S. policies will take, particularly on critical issues such as caregiving and Social Security.
Our poll revealed that the majority of older Pennsylvanians are deeply concerned about their financial security, with 82% identifying Social Security as a crucial lifeline.
This sentiment is underscored by the reality that Social Security provides the primary source of income for many older adults in our state. In fact, 61% of respondents indicated that it is or will be a major source of their income. With the looming threat of benefit cuts and the ongoing debate over the future of Social Security, it is imperative that candidates prioritize this issue in their campaigns.
Caregiving is another pressing concern for voters 50 and older. Approximately 29% of those surveyed are currently serving as caregivers, supporting aging parents, spouses or friends.
AARP is mobilizing America’s more than 48 million family caregivers, including 1,490,000 here in Pennsylvania, to fight for commonsense solutions that will save them time and money while supporting their efforts to care for their loved ones.
Family caregivers are the backbone of a broken long-term care system. Family caregivers provide more than $600 billion in unpaid labor each year, saving taxpayers billions by keeping loved ones at home and out of costly nursing homes. Pennsylvania’s family caregivers contribute more than 1.39 billion hours of unpaid care each year, valued at approximately $22 billion.
These caregivers often balance work and personal responsibilities, making it essential for candidates to address the challenges they face. Our poll also found that 78% of older voters believe that more resources should be allocated to support family caregivers, including respite care and training programs. The upcoming elections present a critical opportunity for candidates to acknowledge and advocate for the needs of these unsung heroes in our communities.
Moreover, the power of the 50-and-older vote extends beyond individual concerns. Voters in this age group are increasingly aware of the interconnectedness of social issues, including health care access, housing affordability and the state of our economy.
As we move closer to Election Day, it is essential for all of us — whether candidates, advocates or voters — to recognize the strength of the older demographic. We must mobilize to ensure that the issues affecting our communities are front and center in this election. Candidates must engage with voters, seek their input and demonstrate a commitment to addressing their concerns.
The 50-and-older vote in Pennsylvania is a force that can shape the future of our state. As we prepare for the election, let us advocate for policies that enhance the lives of older adults, support caregivers, and protect vital programs like Social Security.
Bill Johnston-Walsh is the state director for AARP Pennsylvania