Older voters in Georgia are highly motivated to vote this November and their top concerns are the cost of everyday items, healthcare and protecting Social Security, according to new polling from AARP.
The poll gives a pulse for what’s top of mind for older voters in the Peach State. Some issues remain constant, while others reflect the realities of today.
Adrion Bell, associate state director of AARP Georgia, said the issues cut across party lines.
“Affordability, the cost of groceries, the cost of healthcare, cost of housing, cost of gasoline, that is all among the top concerns and issues that we feel may drive this election,” Bell outlined.
The poll found 88% of voters 50 and older rated themselves a 10 of 10 in motivation to vote, compared with 62% of voters under 50.
In the Senate race, 52% of all voters prefer incumbent Jon Ossoff but among voters 50 and older, 53% support Republican Mike Collins. In the governor’s race, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms leads overall but Republican Rick Jackson leads among older voters.
Nearly all older voters polled said they are more likely to support a candidate who will protect Social Security. Bell stressed concerns about Social Security have remained consistent across elections and the stakes are high for older Georgians.
“Forty-eight percent of the 50+ voters say they rely on Social Security as a major source of income but then that figure jumps to more than 65% of those voters who are 65 and older,” Bell reported.
The poll found 75% of older voters worry expanding data centers will increase their utility bills and 85% said policymakers should ensure residential customers do not pay those costs.
One in eight voters over 50 are swing voters, making them a decisive bloc in November. Bell added candidates who address affordability, Social Security and healthcare costs will have the best chance to earn aging voters’ support.
