Voters

The congressional candidates share their plans for protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering drug prices and more

AARP Minnesota released a series of videos featuring former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page as part of “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support and protect Minnesotans age 50-plus as they vote in the 2020 elections. The videos were being released as Minnesotans began early voting with new rules around absentee balloting; and on the heels of a national release of bipartisan battle ground polls by AARP showing that voters in key states age 65-plus will once again be a deciding factor in this year’s election and, even as there are strong partisan preferences, Social Security and Medicare are unifying issues for voters 50-plus.

To help residents stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, AARP Minnesota and state officials are urging older voters to request and complete absentee ballots in plenty of time to be counted on Nov. 3, Election Day.

Minnesotans have two important civic responsibilities in 2020: voting and being counted in the U.S. Census. Register today to join AARP MN for a live virtual Townhall on February 4 from 6-7 p.m. with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and Minnesota State Demographer Susan Brower.

Voters age 50 and older were the deciding factor in last year’s midterm elections, according to the National Election Pool Exit Poll results. The findings confirmed that 50-plus voters made up the majority of voters 64% in Minnesota, and Candidates who ignored older voters, Minnesota’s most powerful voting group, paid a price on Election Day.

Voting in the mid-term elections is easy for some people – just a quick walk around the corner or a short drive to the polling station. But for others, it may seem impossible.

Around the state Minnesotan’s are talking with candidates about challenging issues. Critical issues like retirement security and protecting vulnerable seniors. These issues are on the line for Minnesotans this mid-term election. While we might not always agree about what’s most important or the best solution, we do know that policy discussions and the decisions that come out of them impact all of us in different ways. That’s why AARP is proud to partner with Twin Cities Public Television on the production of Citizen Lane.

In response to a new series of digital advertising released in Minnesota by the House Majority PAC and DCCC, and print advertising released by the MN DFL, AARP affirms it did not authorize or participate in the production or release of the ads now appearing in the state.

Election day is fast approaching. Are you registered to vote? Need to know where to vote? Need to request an absentee ballot, or want information on ballot initiatives? Be the difference - find your polling place, get information on how to vote absentee, or review a sample ballot so you're prepared to cast your vote on November 6.

By Mary Van Beusekom