Older voters ask the candidates to "walk in their shoes"

RALEIGH – Voters have heard a lot from the candidates. Now the candidates have a chance to hear more from older voters who are asking them to take a walk in their shoes. From now until Election Day, AARP will be sharing videos from older voters who are asking the candidates to understand what issues matter the most to them, and to share more details about how they intend to address their needs.

Older voters are those most likely to participate in the election. According to the NC State Board of Elections, in 2022, 71 percent of voters over age 65, and 59 percent of those ages 41 to 65 cast their ballots. When it comes to younger voters, 34 percent of those ages 26-40 voted and only 24 percent of those ages 18-24 exercised their right to vote.

AARP North Carolina Director Mike Olender said, “Voters 50+ are the majority of voters in every election, and they are stretched to the limit. They want to see politicians address their day-to-day challenges like caring for their loved ones and protecting their hard-earned Social Security. That's why AARP is asking candidates to share more about how they will better support them.”

AARP also provides trusted, up-to-date information on when, where and how to vote in the 2024 elections so North Carolinians can make their voices heard,”

Each day leading up to the election, AARP will share video comments at AARPNC on Facebook and Twitter where older voters talk about their needs and ask for clear positions on critical issues like the future of Social Security, bringing down high drug costs, and support for family caregivers.

Helen Mack of Clemmons, AARP North Carolina volunteer state president said, “Family caregivers are the backbone of a broken long-term care system, helping with everything from buying groceries to managing medications to bathing and dressing – often putting their finances and jobs at risk. They provide over $600 billion in unpaid labor each year, saving taxpayers billions and keeping loved ones at home and out of costly nursing homes. Candidates for state and federal offices have a big opportunity to win these voters. Caregivers vote and they can make the difference in a close election.”

Lilian Lee of Raleigh knows how important Social Security is when it comes to economic security in retirement and keeping older adults out of poverty. People work hard and pay into Social Security, so it's only fair to expect to get the money you've earned. If Washington doesn't act in the next 10 years to protect and save Social Security, it could be cut by 20%, an average of $4,000 a year.”

Mike Olender said, “AARP has a long history of advocacy and voter engagement. We fight to get candidates, regardless of party, to offer solutions so the issues that matter to voters 50+ and their families are at the top of candidates’ agenda if they get elected.”

He reminds people that. “AARP is strictly non-partisan and always has been. We never endorse or donate to candidates, political parties, or political action committees.

We do work with elected officials and policymakers, along with community leaders, citizen activists, and people aged 50+, in our policy, advocacy, and education efforts. As part of our voter engagement, we help our members learn the positions of their elected officials and presidential candidates,” explained Olender.