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The Power of the Ballot: Why Colorado’s 50+ Voters Hold the Key to the 2026 Midterm Election
Volunteer Perspective: 2026 Midterm Elections
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“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.”
--SUSAN B. ANTHONY
We hold something incredibly precious – a right earned through generations of profound sacrifice, protected by our Constitution, and sustained by our collective participation. It is the simple, yet awesome power to choose the people who represent us. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, giving each of us an extraordinary voice. But this power only exists if we choose to use it.
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Coloradans over 50 know this well. We turn out to vote in large numbers. No age group participates more frequently or more faithfully. According to the latest U.S. Census data, there are 1.5 million eligible voters over the age of 55 in Colorado. Within this group, nearly one million Colorado voters are 65 and older – representing the fastest-growing age demographic cohort in the state.
We are well-informed, reliable, consistent voters. When we go to the polls, elected officials have no choice but to pay attention. The issues that deeply matter to older Coloradans – from healthcare security and prescription drug affordability to supporting family caregivers and protecting Social Security – naturally rise to the top. When older voters are engaged, we create a more stable, equitable, and prosperous Colorado for every generation.
“Your vote is equal, your vote is meaningful, your vote is your Constitutional right…no barrier will come between our citizens and the voting booth.”
--RONALD REAGAN
This year, our voices matter more than ever before. We are living in an era defined by historically close elections, where elected officials and ballot measures are frequently decided by the slimmest of margins. On November 3, 2026, Colorado voters will cast ballots to choose our next Governor, a U.S. Senator, members of Congress, key state and local officials, and far-reaching propositions. The decisions we make at the ballot box this fall will shape the trajectory of Colorado’s future.
Candidates are acutely aware of this reality, and they are listening. AARP Colorado is actively engaging with candidates of all backgrounds, directly communicating the priorities of older Coloradans and closely evaluating their responses. While AARP never endorses candidates or contributes to their political campaigns, we work tirelessly to ensure that the critical issues affecting people 50 and older remain front and center throughout the campaign season. AARP provides impartial, non-partisan resources to help voters cut through the noise and clearly understand exactly where candidates stand on the issues that affect their daily lives.
“The greatest threat to democracy is indifference.”
--FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
Voting is fundamentally more than a civic obligation; it is a profound act of personal empowerment and optimism. In a representative democracy, robust participation is the only way we hold our elected officials accountable. When we vote, our leaders respond.
Colorado has a proud tradition of high civic participation. In the 2022 midterm elections, 2.5 million Coloradans cast their ballots, representing 58 percent of all eligible voters, according to data from the Colorado Secretary of State. That impressive turnout placed Colorado fifth in the entire nation. Older voters led the charge, with more than 74 percent of Coloradans 65 and older showing up to vote, significantly outpacing the national average of 67 percent.
“The right to vote is the right on which all other rights depend.”
--THOMAS PAINE
Yet, despite these historic achievements, we can and must do better. Out of our state’s 4.7 million voters, more than two million individuals sat out the 2022 midterm election. These are our family members, our friends, our neighbors, and co-workers. Imagine the impact we could have if we helped them become more engaged, better informed, and motivated to vote in 2026.
AARP Colorado is fully committed to ensuring that voters 50 and older remain a powerful and undeniable force in the 2026 elections. As election day approaches on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, let us remember this core truth: your vote counts, your voice matters, and the future of Colorado is in your hands.
More from AARP Colorado on the 2026 midterm elections:
Election Deadlines and Information
Voters 50-plus Will Decide 2026 Midterms in Colorado
Colorado’s 2026 Gubernatorial candidates on the big issues facing the 50-plus
Congressional District 8 candidates on the big issues facing Coloradans 50-plus
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