AARP never has and never will endorse candidates for public office, nor do we ever make contributions to individual campaigns or political parties. But as the nation’s leading advocate for older Americans, we play a vital role in educating people on how, where and why to vote. AARP also plays a critical role in ensuring that candidates understand your priorities—especially when it comes to Social Security, family caregiving and the economy.

Here’s some of what AARP has planned for this election cycle:

• Empowering voters 50 and over. AARP’s voter engagement work is about equipping people with information on when, where and how to cast their ballots. We are committed to making sure all voters can make their voices heard. At aarp.org/vote you can find dates of primaries, voter registration deadlines, whether ballots must be received or postmarked by Election Day, and much more information.

• Pressing candidates on issues that matter. AARP is engaging candidates early, starting in primary elections, to ensure they understand the concerns of older voters. That includes organizing candidate briefings and meeting with campaigns; sponsoring candidate forums or debates; and creating opportunities for candidates to speak directly to voters through AARP tele-town halls and videos. These efforts build strong relationships with winning candidates.

• Meeting with lawmakers. AARP will talk directly to elected officials about what matters to you. In April, AARP state and national staff participated in our annual “Lobby Day” in Washington, D.C., meeting with about 200 members of Congress. Our efforts also reach state lawmakers. For example, AARP staff and volunteers in Ohio will visit all 88 counties this year on a “Let’s Talk, Ohio” tour, asking people about the issues that matter to them and meeting with elected officials and candidates.

• Showing the power of older voters. AARP will conduct public opinion polls in key races for the U.S. House and Senate and governorships in competitive states like Maine, Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina to show the power of older voters. And AARP will organize volunteers to help out during elections. You can join a tele-town hall, attend a local community conversation or volunteer with your AARP state office. Go to aarp.org/states to find out how.

AARP is committed to ensuring that voters 50-plus remain a key force in the 2026 elections. Go to aarp.org/government-elections to stay informed about those elections and the policy debates that follow. —John Hishta, AARP senior vice president of campaigns