This year, Massachusetts voters will cast their ballots in the first gubernatorial election of the new decade. Also on the ballot: U.S. congressional representatives, state representatives, state senators, and more. In fact, a record number of competitive races for seats at the State House are on tap.

AARP Massachusetts will launch an aggressive nonpartisan voter education campaign around the race for Governor. In addition, the state office will publish online voter guide for state and federal races.

What’s at Stake for Older Voters?

In the last decade, the commonwealth’s leaders have presented a diminished view of aging policy. First, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs was stripped of its independent, cabinet-level stature; then, programs serving vulnerable seniors bore the brunt of budget cut after cut. Most now operate at bare-bones levels – with 40,000 seniors losing prescription benefits last year, and thousands more on waiting lists for home care today.

The Graying of the Commonwealth

In ten short years, Massachusetts’ 60-plus population will significantly increase, effectively redefining the makeup of our commonwealth. This aging tsunami, and the changes it will bring, is not unexpected.

“As the races gear up, we must hear from candidates about where they stand on aging issues,” said AARP Massachusetts State Director Deborah Banda. “Better yet, we must hear about their vision – and be assured of their urgent commitment to once again define the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a leader in aging policy.”

Important Issues at Stake

Older voters need to hear from the candidates about where they stand on important issues including:

• health care
  
• long-term care
  
• livable communities
  
• work
  

Get Involved

Join the AARP Massachusetts nonpartisan and voter education campaign and help ensure that older voters hear from the candidates on issues. We need volunteers to:

• ask the candidates questions at events
  
• distribute voters' guides
  
• help get out the vote, and more
  

For information on volunteer opportunities, email us at ma@aarp.org or call 1-866-448-3621.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.

Other Resources

• Stop The Cuts
  
• A New Decade Dawns
  
• AARP – Government & Elections
  
• AARP MA on Facebook
  
• AARP MA on Twitter