Data Reveal How the 2024 Election Was Decided By Older Voters and Pocketbook Issues WASHINGTON , Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, AARP released a poll of voters from the 43 most competitive congressional districts this election season. Voters ages 50 and older were key in the 2024 election.
Data shows that across the country, older voters made up 55% of the electorate, and that winning the 50+ vote was key to winning races up and down the ballot around the country. AARP's survey found House Republicans won voters 50+ by a 50% - 47% margin while these districts were a dead heat among voters overall, allowing Republicans to maintain a narrow advantage in the House of Representatives. "Our polling showed that older voters were the most motivated to cast their ballots, and they showed up in an outsized way on election day," said Nancy LeaMond , AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.
"A majority of older voters said a personal economic issue – inflation, jobs and the economy, or Social Security – was top of mind as the most important issue in determining their vote this year." In AARP's poll, 8% of older voters were swing voters – those who split their ticket between parties for President and for Congress. Among these swing voters the top issues were economic issues, and specifically inflation and jobs and the economy.
Other key takeaways from the poll among voters ages 50 and older include: The top issues for older voters writ-large wer.