Assoc.'s 747,000 Members Set to Dominate Elections, Likely Making up 50% or More of All Votes Cast – Have Big Issues on Minds

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While the winners in New York City's primaries are still hours away from being known, one thing is for sure, regardless of the results, it'll likely be the city's 50+ vote who determined the outcomes. And today, the nonpartisan AARP is releasing a race-by-race breakdown of its members reminding candidates of this, as well as of the key issues weighing heavily on the voting groups' minds as they head to the polls today. Roughly 50% of all votes could come from AARP members.

While the 50+ vote tends to be the largest voting bloc in city, state and national elections, they play an even more significant role in primary elections where other age groups tend to lack turnout, the 50+ vote remains strong, according to AARP.  Among 50+ voters, AARP members are a powerhouse, with most registered to vote and high numbers voting in every election.

AARP has roughly 747,000 members in New York City.  Sixty-eight percent (or nearly 506,000) hit the polls in the last Mayoral election. 80% (or 587,366) vote in higher magnitude races, such as open Mayoral and City Council seats – meaning AARP members could make up half of all ballots cast in the elections.

Based on a recent AARP survey of 50+ voters in New York City the voting bloc is concerned about crucial kitchen table issues, such as being able to afford soaring housing costs, the increase of age discrimination in the workplace, being able to retire and safe neighborhoods and streets. AARP has also broken the survey results down by diverse communities and NYC boroughs.

AARP Members by NYC City Council District:

Over the last few months, AARP has been working to engage voters and bring the issues front and center for the NYC Mayoral and City Council candidates, holding a Mayoral Town Hall in early August and several City Council candidate debates across the city last week.  This is the first time AARP has brought its voter engagements to the local level in NYC.

While AARP does not endorse candidates, have a PAC, or give money to campaigns or political parties, the non-partisan membership organization does provide straight-forward information on the issues to 50-plus voters, the media and the general public.

Follow us on Twitter: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York

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