Older Americans will be the difference in November

The candidates have spoken. Conventions are over. Some states have started early voting. And on November 5, the American people, including over 100 million people over the age of 50, will have the last word in the 2024 presidential campaign. This is the beauty of our democracy. Free and fair elections are at the heart of what Abraham Lincoln described as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” This year, the strength, resilience and values ​​of our democracy face a historic test. For older Americans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your vote will make the difference.

In our conversations across the country, AARP heard a universal cry: more must be done to ensure older Americans can work, live and retire with the security and dignity they deserve. That means protecting and securing Social Security and Medicare, lowering prescription drug prices and the cost of living, and ensuring more people can retire with dignity and financial security.

The announcement of lower Medicare-negotiated prices for 10 high-cost drugs under the Part D program represents a significant step forward in AARP’s long-standing efforts to lower prescription drug prices. AARP members overwhelmingly identified reducing such costs as a major concern. This first round of Medicare-negotiated prices will provide financial assistance to millions of people. The election will determine whether the government builds on this success by taking additional steps to improve the health and financial security of older Americans.

Our letter to Congress in support of the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA) points out that “nearly one in four Americans has no retirement savings at all, and more than half of Americans report concerns that they will not achieve financial security in retirement. ”RSAA will help millions more families across the country save for retirement. The bill is stuck in Congress. Your vote can help ensure its adoption.

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Post-election data showed that 53 percent of voters were over the age of 50 in the last presidential election. Whether it’s the economy, care, health care or retirement savings, it’s clear: this election is more than just a contest between two candidates; this is a chance to vote for the policies that matter most to older Americans.

We know that voting laws vary from state to state, and many have changed since 2022 and the last presidential election cycle in 2020. Some states have tightened voting laws and others have expanded options to include voting by mail, registering to vote same day or other alternatives.

That’s why AARP provides 53 voting guides for U.S. states and territories to help you navigate changing rules and regulations. These guides include information on how to register to vote in your state, whether mail-in voting is offered and whether you should bring ID to the polls. The guides also include state-specific deadlines and information on where to find resources.

The outcome of this election will have a profound impact on the well-being of older Americans, their families, and our nation. Your voice is your voice. I urge you to raise it loud and strong on Election Day.