New Jersey’s largest public interest group representing people 50 and older has a message for the crowded field of candidates running for governor and the state Assembly this year.
The AARP on Wednesday released an analysis of voter participation by county and legislative district since 2020 based on age: 50 and older versus under 50. With the exception of a few counties in last year’s presidential election, the AARP crowd has dominated turnout. In Morris and Hunterdon counties, 70% of voters were 50 and older.
“AARP New Jersey is proud to highlight the critical role that older voters continue to play in our democracy. Their consistent and substantial turnout in elections, especially at the local and state levels, demonstrates their commitment to shaping the future of our communities,” said AARP New Jersey State Director Chris Widelo.
“We hope this report encourages policymakers and candidates to address the issues that matter most to older voters, including property tax relief, retirement security, long-term care reform, and support for family caregivers,” Widelo said.
Even with a surge of voter registrations among people who choose not to be labeled Democrats or Republicans, election results show independents often skip voting, according to the report, “The Power of the Older Voter” produced by Gotham Polling and Analytics on AARP’s behalf.
“In several counties, such as Atlantic, Monmouth, and Gloucester, independents now rival or surpass Democrats and Republicans in new registrations. However, turnout among independents remains inconsistent, especially in off-year elections,” the report said.
Who is most likely to vote in the 2025 governor’s race?
New Jerseyans 50 and older outvoted their younger peers in the 2021 governor’s race, according to data released by the AARP showing the wide gaps by percent of turnout. Candidates running this year should tailor their campaigns to the older voters’ concerns: property taxes, caregiving, health care and housing, AARP leaders say.