HARRISBURG, PA — A recent survey by AARP Pennsylvania underscores the pivotal role that voters aged 50 and older are expected to play in the upcoming 2024 elections. With candidates vying for the highest offices in the land, including the presidency and the U.S. Senate, the concerns of this demographic are coming into sharp focus. The survey reveals that issues such as Social Security, Medicare, aging in place, and prescription drug costs are top priorities for these voters.
According to the survey, a striking 80% of voters over 50 consider a candidate’s stance on Social Security crucial to their decision in November. This is closely followed by Medicare (73%), support for aging in place (69%), and the affordability of prescription drugs (67%). This demographic’s significance is magnified by their voting record; they formed 55% of all Pennsylvania voters in the 2020 elections and an even more substantial 62% in the 2022 midterms.
The motivation to vote among these individuals is equally impressive, with 85% expressing high levels of enthusiasm about participating in the upcoming election. This sentiment could dramatically influence the electoral outcomes, especially in a battleground state like Pennsylvania.
In terms of candidate preferences, the survey showcases a competitive landscape. Former President Donald Trump (R) leads current President Joe Biden (D) by a margin of 4 percentage points overall, 49% to 45%. However, among voters aged 50 and over, Trump’s lead expands to 52% compared to Biden’s 42%. In the race for the U.S. Senate, incumbent Senator Bob Casey Jr. (D) holds a narrow lead over Dave McCormick (R) among the general electorate but faces a slight deficit against McCormick among those 50 and older.
Bill Johnston Walsh, State Director of AARP Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of this voting bloc, stating, “Pennsylvania voters over age 50 are a critical voting bloc that all candidates are competing for in this election.” He further highlighted the collective desire among older Pennsylvanians for leadership committed to protecting Social Security and supporting family caregivers.
Additional findings from the poll paint a picture of concern among older voters about the country’s direction, with 68% believing it is headed the wrong way. Financial worries also loom large, fueled by rising costs of food and utilities. Furthermore, nearly nine out of ten express anxiety over fraud through robo-calls, phishing emails, and other scams, pointing to a heightened awareness of digital safety.
The AARP commissioned this survey to provide insight into the priorities and preferences of Pennsylvania’s older voters. Conducted by the bipartisan team of Fabrizio Ward & Impact Research, the study interviewed 1,398 likely voters, including oversamples of voters aged 50 and over and Black voters within that age group. The findings carry a margin of error ranging from ±3.5% to ±4.9%, depending on the sample.
As candidates strategize for the 2024 elections, the issues dear to older Pennsylvanians’ hearts will likely shape campaign agendas. With their substantial voter turnout and clear policy priorities, the 50-plus demographic is set to be a decisive force in determining Pennsylvania’s—and potentially the nation’s—political future.
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