The November elections are rapidly approaching and absentee voting has already started. Historically, Maine has a very high voter turnout rate. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, voters over age 65 vote at higher rates than their younger counterparts. Maine voters age 50-plus show up to vote at higher rates than any other age group, casting 59.3% of all votes in the 2024 general election. Maine's voters age 50-plus are not shy about making their voices heard at the ballot box and their votes make a difference. In fact, 87% of Maine voters age 50-plus say they are extremely motivated to vote this year.

AARP Maine's statewide voter survey, released on Oct. 1, examined the issues driving Maine voters as they head toward Election Day. The poll found that concerns about household affordability continue to dominate voters' minds. Rising prices and the increasing cost of everyday necessities are putting pressure on family budgets, particularly for older Mainers living on fixed incomes. Utility costs emerged as a major concern, with 97% of Maine voters age 50-plus saying it is important for elected officials to ensure utility costs remain affordable.

Voters are also focused on the cost of health care, prescription drugs, housing, food, and fuel. These are not abstract policy debates. They are real-life concerns affecting families and communities across our state. Talk to just about anybody you know in Maine and odds are they will have similar worries about making ends meet in an increasingly expensive world.

Protecting Social Security and Medicare remains one of the most important issues for voters age 50-plus. We all pay into these programs during our working careers and expect them to be there when we need them. The AARP Maine survey found that more than 93% of voters age 50-plus are more likely to support candidates who will protect Social Security from cuts. Any reductions to Social Security or Medicare would have serious consequences for many older Mainers and their household budgets.

The survey also highlighted the challenges facing Maine's family caregivers and aging population. Eighty-five percent of voters age 50-plus say they are more likely to support candidates who advocate for unpaid family caregivers, while 94% say it is important for elected officials to increase home- and community-based services that help older adults remain independent as they age. These findings reflect the reality that many Maine families are balancing work, care-giving responsibilities, and rising costs all at the same time.

While voters may disagree on many issues and candidates, the October survey sends a clear message. Maine's voters age 50-plus want leaders who will address affordability, protect Social Security and Medicare, support family caregivers, and help older adults remain independent. As Election Day approaches, candidates would be wise to listen. Maine's largest voting bloc is paying attention.

As always, check out the AARP website for an AARP event near you. I also urge you to visit www.aarp.org/votesME, our voter engagement hub, where you’ll find helpful information about our priority issues, Q and A with the candidates and much more. 

Joyce Bucciantini is a retired middle school educator. She currently coordinates Delta Kappa Gamma’s Read to Me program, is a tutor with Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, and is an active AARP Maine volunteer. She enjoys her gardens, being outdoors and traveling. aarp.org/me · me@aarp.org · @aarpmaine · 866-554-5380