An analysis of voting data commissioned by AARP shows older voters are likely to make up a larger share of the electorate heading into the 2026 mid-terms.
A study of Central New York counties by Gotham Polling found an average of more than 60 percent of voters age 50 and over participated in general elections from 2018 to 2024. That’s despite roughly equal voter enrollment between older and younger voters.
“The message to candidates across New York is clear: voters 50 and older show up. Their support must be earned, not assumed,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “Candidates should explain where they stand on the issues affecting older New Yorkers and their families, including protecting Social Security, supporting family caregivers, and addressing the costs of housing, health care and utilities.”
For primaries, participation by those over 50 jumped to about 75 percent. About equal numbers of older Republican men and women cast votes, but Democratic women consistently outperform men at the polls in every Central New York county.
