HARRISBURG, PA — AARP Pennsylvania has unveiled pivotal findings from its latest election survey, underscoring the substantial influence voters aged 50 and older, particularly Black voters, may wield in the upcoming 2024 presidential and Senate elections. Conducted by the bipartisan team of Fabrizio-Ward, the survey reinforces the importance of addressing the priorities and concerns of this demographic in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
The survey reveals that Vice President Harris holds a significant lead over former President Trump among Black voters aged 50 and older, capturing 88% of their support compared to Trump’s 7%. Harris also leads among the broader Pennsylvania voter base by a narrow margin of 50% to 47%. The findings emphasize that Social Security and threats to democracy are the foremost issues influencing the voting decisions of Black Pennsylvanians aged 50 and above.
Moreover, the survey indicates that Black voters in this age group are more motivated to participate in the election process compared to the overall likely voter population in Pennsylvania. Notably, 82% of Black voters 50+ express a strong motivation to vote, though slightly lower than the 91% observed among the general 50+ voter demographic. Additionally, a notable increase has been observed in the optimism among Black voters 50+ regarding the country’s direction, rising to 60% from 51% in April. However, concerns regarding personal financial situations persist, with 65% expressing worries, a 7-point increase since April.
The broader survey results highlight that Social Security, Medicare, senior long-term care, and prescription drug costs are critical issues for older voters. Specifically, 92% of respondents identify Social Security as a key issue, followed by Medicare at 89%, long-term care for seniors at 85%, and prescription drug costs at 81%.
Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director, emphasizes the deep-rooted concerns of Black voters 50+ regarding these issues. “This poll shows just how much Black voters 50+ in Pennsylvania are concerned about the key issues their communities have spent decades fighting for,” he stated, urging candidates to heed these voices to secure success in the elections and effective governance thereafter.
The survey further suggests that for older Black voters, securing Social Security benefits, supporting family caregivers, and providing tax credits for unpaid caregivers are critical factors influencing their vote. With the potential to sway election outcomes, these voters remain a pivotal demographic that candidates cannot afford to overlook.
Conducted between September 17-24, 2024, the survey involved 1,398 likely voters, including oversamples of voters aged 50 and older and Black voters aged 50 and older, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their electoral priorities. The poll’s methodology employed a combination of landline, cellphone, and SMS-to-web interviews, drawing a representative sample from the Pennsylvania voter list to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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