Over-50s need to vote in upcoming election

THIS YEAR’S elections are some of the most important in our lifetimes. Issues like Medicare, Social Security, prescription drugs, family caregiving, age discrimination and Medicaid are on the line.

The upcoming election provides a unique opportunity for New Mexico voters age 50-plus — unique not only because not everyone has our ability to vote freely, but because the 50-plus voter has a powerful voice when it comes to the voting booth.

Americans age 50 and older are the nation’s most powerful voting bloc, but many don’t vote in midterm elections. We know that elections can be decided by a handful of votes, making every vote essential.

That’s why AARP launched “Be the Difference. Vote” — a national campaign to turn out the largest number of voters age 50-plus for the upcoming November general election. The campaign is designed to hold politicians accountable and ensure they pay attention to the issues that matter to 50-plus Americans.

The issues are just as important at the state level — finding more resources for family caregivers, ensuring people have a secure retirement and funding for senior programs, services and Medicaid.

To that end, AARP New Mexico staff and volunteers have visited candidates to discuss the issues, urged our members and non-members to pledge to vote in this election, and joined with the New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees in hosting a debate between lieutenant governor candidates Michelle Garcia Holmes and Howie Morales to learn where they stand on the issues of retirement security and family caregiving.

Candidates know they must pay attention to older voters. In the last midterm election in 2014, citizens over age 60 accounted for 39.4 percent of all voters — the largest single voting bloc. And coming in second were those between the ages of 45 and 59, who made up 30.3 percent of voters. Fifty-plus voters will decide whether Washington gets to work or puts the nation’s future at risk.

AARP is a bipartisan organization. We do not endorse candidates, but we do study and weigh in on the issues that matter to people age 50-plus. Through the “Be the Difference. Vote” campaign, we are asking our members and the public to study the issues, urge your candidate to address the issues important to you and your family, and head to the polls. For more information, visit www. aarp.org/vote.

GENE VARELA State director, AARP New Mexico