Casting a Ballot Can Be a High Hurdle for Family Caregivers

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Nearly 200,000 Nebraskans care for older parents, spouses, children and adults with disabilities, or other loved ones, helping them to live independently in their homes and communities, where they want to be.

A labor of love, family caregiving can be exhausting and overwhelming. That doesn’t change on Election Day. It can be incredibly difficult for many family caregivers to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities to get to the local polling station. And if a caregiver’s loved one is voting too and has mobility issues, it can be even tougher.

But there are options for voting that can help family caregivers.

Absentee voting by mail or early voting could, for family caregivers and many others, be key to fitting voting into a busy life. The rules for early voting, absentee ballots and all-mail voting differ from state to state. You can find the most up-to-date information on voting rules in our state here.

First, make sure you and your loved ones are registered to vote. Here in Nebraska, voters must register by Oct 19 online and by mail or by Oct. 26 if you register in person.   See more details here.

Regardless of how you vote, AARP Nebraska Director Connie Benjamin has urged all registered voters to review candidates’ positions on the issues and to cast ballots in the general election.

“The 2018 midterms will be among the most historic elections in a generation,” said Benjamin said. “All voters are encouraged to participate, and the candidates for office would be wise to reach out to older voters. Age 50-plus Nebraskans are among the most reliable voters and are highly engaged in the important issues of our day. In addition, 72 percent of Nebraska's family caregivers vote in every election.”

This year, AARP has launched “Be the Difference. Vote,” a multifaceted campaign designed to maximize the influence of America’s 50-plus voters. The campaign seeks to get the largest possible turnout of voters age 50-plus to the polls during the ongoing primaries and in the November general election. It will also put front and center issues like Medicare security and family caregiving, along with other topics of particular interest to older voters.

To learn more about “Be the Difference. Vote,” check out aarp.org/vote to see how to get involved and stay informed.