HARRISBURG, PA — A recent survey by AARP Pennsylvania highlights the pivotal role that voters aged 50 and older are set to play in the upcoming elections. The survey underscores the demographic’s significant motivation to vote, with a staggering 91% reporting they are “extremely motivated.”
The survey reveals a closely contested political landscape. Vice President Kamala Harris currently holds a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump among all voters, at 49% to 47%. However, when focusing on voters aged 50 and older, Trump gains an edge, leading Harris by 8 percentage points. This age group shows a pronounced gender divide, with Harris leading among women and Trump securing more support from men.
In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Senator Bob Casey Jr. leads Dave McCormick among the general voter population. Yet, McCormick edges out Casey among the older demographic, highlighting the influence of this age group in shaping the electoral outcome. Similarly, the State Treasurer race between Stacy Garrity and Erin McClelland remains tight, with a slight advantage for Garrity.
Bill Johnston Walsh, State Director of AARP Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of addressing the priorities of older voters, stating, “Pennsylvania voters over age 50 are the biggest voting bloc and could tip the scale for any candidate in this election. If candidates want to win, they should pay attention to the issues that matter to voters 50 and older, from protecting Social Security and Medicare to helping people stay in their homes as they age.”
Social Security, Medicare, and the ability to age in place emerge as critical concerns for this demographic. A significant majority (84%) of older voters prioritize candidates’ positions on Social Security, with 77% emphasizing Medicare. Additionally, the cost of utilities and healthcare remains a pressing issue. Notably, 83% favor Congressional efforts to negotiate lower drug prices, underscoring the economic pressures faced by this group.
The survey also sheds light on economic anxieties, with 64% of respondents expressing worry about their financial situation. Moreover, 61% indicate that Social Security is a major income source, highlighting its continued relevance in electoral discourse.
The AARP survey, conducted by Fabrizio Ward (R) and Impact Research (D), included interviews with 1,398 likely voters, employing a variety of methods to ensure a representative sample. The findings serve as a clarion call for candidates to align their strategies with the priorities of older Pennsylvanians, as their voting patterns and preferences could decisively influence the state’s electoral landscape.
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