The Issues Influencing Georgia’s 50-Plus Voters

For Georgians 50-plus, many of the most immediate challenges — affordability, caregiving support, and consumer protection — are shaped by state-level decisions. In 2026, voters are looking for leaders who understand the real-life impacts of these issues across Georgia communities.

 

Supporting Family Caregivers in Georgia

Family caregiving is a reality for millions of Georgians. About 3 in 10 adults in Georgia — roughly 2.6 million people — are family caregivers, providing care now or within the past year.

These caregivers provide an estimated $16.3 billion in unpaid care each year, helping older adults remain in their homes and communities. At the same time, many are struggling — nearly 6 in 10 report financial impacts such as taking on debt, using up savings, or having trouble affording basic needs.

State policymakers can support Georgia’s caregivers by expanding access to respite care, strengthening caregiver tax credits, improving workplace flexibility, and increasing access to home- and community-based services.

Why it matters: Family caregivers across Georgia are essential to the state’s care system—but too often, they shoulder the responsibility without the support they need.

Sign Our Family Caregiver Pledge to encourage candidates to support our hardworking family caregivers -I Am A Family Caregiver. I Vote! AARP

 

Protecting Georgians from Rising Fraud

Scammers are increasingly using cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that look like ATMs—to steal millions from consumers. Older Georgians are often targeted, putting their savings and financial security at risk.

Because these machines have fewer protections than traditional financial institutions, states are stepping in with commonsense safeguards like transaction limits, fee transparency, and required fraud warnings.

Georgia is leading the way. A new law taking effect July 1, 2026, establishes transaction limits, requires clear disclosure of fees and exchange rates, and provides refund protections for victims of fraud. It also gives financial institutions tools to flag and pause suspicious transactions involving older or vulnerable adults.

Why it matters: Protecting Georgians’ hard-earned savings is key to preserving financial independence and security as people age.

 

Keeping Utilities Affordable in Georgia

For many Georgians on fixed incomes, rising utility costs — electricity, gas, and water—are making it harder to keep up with everyday expenses.

Nearly 7 in 10 adults 50-plus report higher electric bills, and concerns are growing as large energy users, including data centers, increase demand on Georgia’s power grid.

Georgians overwhelmingly support policies that ensure large commercial users pay their fair share—rather than shifting costs onto residential customers. State leaders play a critical role in keeping utilities fair and affordable.

Why it matters: Seventy-five percent of adults 50-plus say state policymakers should ensure residents are not paying for the cost of powering new data centers. Affordable utilities are essential for Georgians’ health, safety, and ability to remain in their homes.