AARP video voters guides ask candidates for North Carolina state offices questions important to older voters

RALEIGH – Today AARP released the first of three video voters guides that help connect candidates for some top state offices to older voters across the state.

AARP North Carolina is a co-sponsor of the NC Institute of Political Leadership’s “Hometown Debate Series,” airing this month and next on Spectrum News. When it comes to the state’s most active voters, those ages 50 plus, top-of-mind election issues include health care access, quality and affordability, the high cost of medications and the ability to save for retirement.

AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender explains, “More often than not, attention in this election is on top of the ticket candidates including the President, U.S. Senate and the NC Governor’s race. However, other positions, especially within state government, are influential when it comes to our health and economic security. We want to make sure that our state’s most active voters have information they need to make informed choices when they cast their ballots.

In the first voters’ guide, AARP asked candidates for Lt. Governor, Yvonne Lewis Holley and Mark Robinson the following questions:

• How will you ensure that North Carolina residents in nursing homes receive quality nursing home care?
  
• What will you do to make sure that older people and their families have access to affordable prescription medications?
  
• Will you commit to expanding workplace retirement-savings options and helping workers save for retirement?

In August, AARP launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support and protect Americans 50-plus as they vote in the 2020 elections. The campaign will help Americans over 50 vote safely, whether at home or in person. The “Protect Voters 50+” campaign includes information North Carolinians need about this year’s elections, including video voters’ guides, issue briefings, direct mail, text messaging, social media and paid media.

AARP has a proud 34-year history of non-partisan voter engagement and does not endorse or oppose candidates, nor does AARP make contributions to political campaigns or candidates, AARP does encourage voters to ask questions, so they understand where the candidates stand on important issues and make their own decisions this fall.