Older Ohioans to play key role in Nov. 2 races, survey suggests

Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Older Ohioans will be a strong voice in the midterm elections, a new survey asserts. Ninety-one percent of members interviewed in the survey from AARP Ohio say they are “definitely” planning on voting, and another nine percent say they are “likely” to vote.

Since 90 percent of the group’s members are registered voters, AARP Ohio Luke Russell says that could mean a strong turnout at the polls. He adds that among the issues, Social Security is at the top of the list.

“Ninety-four percent surveyed say it’s important that candidates pledge to protect Social Security. We found this among members in both parties, and we found the overwhelming majority saying they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who guarantees to protect Social Security.”

While AARP Ohio members agree that Social Security is essential for seniors, the survey found they are also nearly unanimous in expressing the importance of Social Security for future generations.

Another key issue in the survey for older voters is the economy, Russell notes. More than 80 percent are dissatisfied with the current state of the national economy, and 91 percent are concerned about the deficit.

Russell, AARP Ohio associate director for advocacy, says the survey is part of his organization’s efforts to keep older Ohioans educated on current issues. For that reason, it offers state and federal voter guides, he says.

“We’re trying to get people to find out where candidates stand on the issues our members say are on top of their list: the economy, physician pay, Medicare fraud, Social Security and those kinds of issues.”

Voting guides and the new survey are available at www.aarp.org .