Voters aged 50 and over are expected to play a larger role in the election, new poll finds

People 50 and older represent the most consistent voting bloc and new poll shows they overwhelmingly say they are “extremely motivated” to vote.

In battlefield states, including Nevada and Arizona, AARP said pocketbook issues are the No. 1 issue for older voters, regardless of political party.

More than 80% of voters ages 50 to 64 who are still working are extremely concerned about Social Security becoming their primary source of income, according to a recent poll. Sociologist Bob Ward reported that 69% of those surveyed say their second concern is the cost of housing.

“It’s the same as caring for a family, and it’s more than the cost of prescription drugs,” Ward said. “And so housing costs are a big issue.”

The study also found that 16% of older voters in battleground states are “divided voters.” While there are some partisan issues such as immigration, in general older voters are focused on economic issues such as Social Security, family care and housing costs. Ward also said the latest AARP poll of battleground states shows they are also willing to vote on issues rather than partisanship.

“You’re talking about almost 10%
of the total number of voters who share tickets,” he said. “The issues that really motivate ticket-sharing over 50s tend to be personal economic concerns.”

Voters over 64 are less likely to split their votes. Older Latino voters also more partisan.

This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau as a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio (KNPR) in Las Vegas, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Colorado and KANW in New Mexico, with support from partner stations throughout the region. Funding for the Mountain West Information Bureau is provided in part by Corporation for Public Broadcasting.