HARRISBURG, PA — With the 2024 general election six months away, a new AARP poll reveals that Pennsylvania voters aged 50 and older are deeply concerned about their financial security. The survey highlights worries ranging from falling victim to scams and fraud to anxieties about personal financial stability.
When asked about the threat of fraud, including robo-calls and phishing emails, 62% of voters 50 and older expressed significant concern. This issue crosses political lines, with voters from all affiliations sharing similar fears.
The poll also touched on Keystone Saves, a proposed retirement savings program aimed at the 40% of Pennsylvania workers without access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. Nearly 80% of voters over 50 support the creation of this program, showing strong bipartisan backing.
Additionally, the survey indicates tight races for key state offices, such as the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the closely contested Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The outcomes of these races are crucial, as elected officials in these positions play vital roles in protecting residents from deceptive practices and supporting small businesses in offering retirement savings plans like Keystone Saves.
In the race for Attorney General, District Attorney Dave Sunday (R) has a slight edge over former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene Pasquale (D), leading 44% to 43% among all voters. However, this lead expands to 49% to 41% among voters 50 and older. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives remains highly competitive, with all 203 seats up for re-election. Voters overall lean towards Republican candidates 47% to 45%, while those 50 and older favor Republicans by a 12-point margin.
Economic issues such as inflation, job security, and Social Security dominate the concerns of voters over 50. “These are issues that will largely determine their vote in November,” said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. “Candidates have a significant opportunity to connect with key voters by outlining their plans to protect Pennsylvanians from fraud and help them save for retirement.”
Older voters will be pivotal in the upcoming election. In the 2020 elections, they comprised 55% of all Pennsylvania voters, and in the 2022 mid-terms, they accounted for 62%. An overwhelming 85% of voters aged 50 and older report being “extremely motivated” to vote in this election.
Other notable findings from the poll include:
- Utilities, food, and healthcare/prescription drugs are the top financial concerns for voters over 50.
- A majority, 63%, worry about their personal financial situation, with concerns cutting across gender, age, party, race, and caregiving status.
As the election approaches, the financial fears of older voters could shape the political landscape. With their significant turnout history, addressing their concerns may be key for candidates seeking victory in November.
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