As we approach another consequential presidential election In the United States, it is worth taking a closer look at the relationship between voting and age.  

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the most recent presidential election in 2020 had the highest voter turnout this century, with more than 2 out of 3 citizens (67 percent) citizens 18 years and older casting their vote. Voter turnout also rose as age increased, with the highest among those ages 65 to 74 at 76 percent while the percentage was lowest among those ages 18 to 24 at 51 percent.  

Despite COVID-19 concerns, 155 million people turned out for the 2020 presidential election.  However, 4 percent (552,500) of registered nonvoters did report not voting because of the pandemic. This trend toward higher voting rates with age makes older people over age 65 the most reliable voting group, and potentially the most critical “swing” vote in the upcoming election. 

A poll conducted this past summer by AARP in the 44 most competitive congressional districts examined which issues voters 50 and older care most about. According to the poll, 62 percent of those voters were worried about their personal financial situation. More specifically, 80 percent said Social Security is “important” or “very important” versus 73 percent for Medicare. More than two-thirds (67 percent) of older voters felt strongly about helping older people live independently at home, while a similar number (66 percent) pointed to the cost of prescription drugs. 

More than 11,000 Americans will turn 65 every day — or over 4.1 million every year — from 2024 through 2027, according to estimates from the Retirement Income Institute at the Alliance for Lifetime Income. As their numbers grow in coming years, overcoming barriers to voting will become increasingly important for older people. 

A 2017 report from Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), titled “Barriers to Voting for Older Americans: How States are Making it Harder for Seniors to Vote,” detailed how suppressive state laws and inaccessible voting locations disenfranchise older Americans. To address these challenges, the report recommended the following steps to protect the voting rights of older Americans and individuals with disabilities:

• Ensure the full authorization and empowerment of all federal voting laws, which will help facilitate older Americans’ access to the polls;  

• Provide access to the polls for older Americans by allowing opportunities for accessible early voting and absentee voting; and 

• Limit restrictions on voting and ensure election laws fully consider the needs and abilities of older Americans. 

Yet, barriers to voting remain for all age groups, in particular for those who are employed. That is why Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Time Off to Vote Act (S. 3901) this Congress, which would require employers – upon the request of the employee – to provide at least two consecutive hours of paid leave to vote in federal elections. This allotted time can be used to vote at a polling place, return a mail-in ballot, or take time for other voting-related activities that improve accessibility such as curing a ballot, giving someone a ride to the polls, and even assisting others with voting (where permitted under the Voting Rights Act of 1965). These accommodations would be helpful to many older adults, especially those in underserved communities.  

In the 2020 presidential election, about 10 percent of eligible voters said they couldn’t vote because they were unable to take time off work—either because they could not financially afford to or risk repercussions from employers. The Time Off to Vote Act would ensure all voters can cast their ballot by granting employees a two-hour period to vote without it affecting their pay or benefits. 

Older Americans consistently represent the strongest and most dependable voting bloc in our electorate. Policymakers at federal, state, and local levels should work to ensure we are making it easier for their voices to be heard, not harder. Family caregivers, who often advocate on behalf of older loved ones, can amplify these voices by helping to register, sharing information about polling options, and supporting older adults in exercising their right to vote. Let’s all work together to help drive policies that support a healthy, inclusive, and empowered aging population.