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AARP Maine Voter and Election Hub 2026

Your connection to our Q and A with candidates, voter engagement events, and important election updates.

AARP

Updated October 02, 2026

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Key takeaways

Older voters turn out at the highest rates, shaping election outcomes.
Cost of living tops the list of concerns for voters. Social Security, Medicare and caregiving remain central issues for voters 50-plus.
AARP is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. We make sure candidates address issues that are important to older adults.
You can make a difference by taking simple steps including joining our upcoming events in Maine.

New AARP Maine Poll release 10/1/26: Older Voters Could Play Decisive Role in Closely Watched Senate, Governor Races

With a higher share of older residents than any other state, Maine’s critical 50+ voters are focused on rising costs for everyday essentials like gas, health care and utilities.

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On 10/1/26, AARP released new polling that underscores the pivotal role 50+ voters are poised to play in the state's upcoming Senate and gubernatorial elections, as well as the local and national issues -- including Social Security, Medicare, and rising utility costs -- that will be shaping their votes.

"Maine voters age 50 and older are a critical demographic for candidates to reach and engage ahead of November’s elections,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer. “Older voters are the nation’s most reliable voters, and Maine has the largest share of older voters of any state. Candidates looking to win should put the issues these voters care about front and center, including protecting Social Security, lowering health care costs, and tackling rising everyday expenses.”

2026 U.S. Senate Candidates in Maine Address the Issues

Susan Collins (R) and Troy Jackson (D) talk family caregiving, fraud prevention, Social Security, Medicare and aging in place.

Read our Q and A with the candidates here.

2026 Maine Gubernatorial Candidates Address the Issues

Rick Bennett (I), Bobby Charles (R), and Hannah Pingree (D) discuss family caregiving, utility rates and home and community-based care in Maine

Watch our gubernatorial candidate videos here

Join Our Fight to Make Sure Your Vote Counts

AARP is a nonpartisan organization that never supports or opposes candidates for office. We believe the right to vote is fundamental and we advocate for policies ensuring that Americans 50 and older can exercise that right without unnecessary barriers. Here's what you can do to help:

• Watch this short video from our Associate State Directors Alf Anderson and Bridget Quinn who discuss the upcoming elections, issues of concerns to older Mainers and how you can get involved.

• Pledge to vote for candidates in 2026 who will protect and strengthen Social Security and support family caregivers.

• Come to our free, local events in Maine: AARP Maine staff and volunteers will be hosting and participating in events over the next few months where we will talk with fellow Mainers about the importance of protecting Social Security and supporting family caregivers.

• October 8^thfrom 6:15-8:15 PM: Watch Maine's Governor Debate in Auburn

Maine's gubernatorial candidates will debate on October 8 — and you're invited to watch it together with fellow Mainers at Gippers in Auburn.

• Be Ballot Ready – What to Know Before Election Day: AARP Maine invites you to a nonpartisan voter engagement event focused on helping Mainers understand their voting options ahead of the November election. We’ll also highlight issues important to older Mainers and why making your voice heard at the ballot box matters.

• Check our events hub frequently – at aarp.org/eventsME you can find all the details about all our upcoming events including fun, social events such as our coffees, on taps, free movie nights, fraud watch workshops and more.

• Sign up to become an AARP activist for the latest news and alerts on issues you care about.

• Learn more about voting in Maine this year.

AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Become a member or renew your membership today.

The larger size of the over-50 demographic, coupled with its higher voting rates, means the group plays a major role in shaping the direction of the country.

AARP will help keep that voting bloc well informed. While our organization is nonpartisan and doesn’t endorse candidates or contribute money to campaigns, it has a presence in every state to make sure candidates address issues of importance to those age 50-plus. This year, that means Social Security, family caregiving and health care, among other topics.

“Our job is to bring these issues to the attention of the candidates and to bring what candidates say to the attention of our members,” says Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer.

Note: Parts of this article appeared on aarp.org prior to being published on aarp.org/me.

The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI which an AARP editor reviewed and refined for accuracy and clarity.