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The Immense Power of the Older Montana Voter -- Data Shows Older Montanans Likely to Decide 2026 Election

If candidates want to win, they would be wise to pay attention to the issues that matter to 50-plus Montanans

AARP

Published July 16, 2026

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In an election year in which a new issue seems to capture the attention of the American electorate every day, one fact remains constant: If candidates want to win, they’d better pay attention to older voters.

The turnout of voters over age 50 has significantly outpaced that of younger Montanans. In the 2022 midterm election, for example, 58.1% of the electorate was 50-plus, compared with 41.9% among 18- to 49-year-olds.

While analysts point to increased energy among younger voters over the past couple of elections, people over 50 continue to show up at the polls far more than any other age group.

Increased energy was seen this year during the 2026 primary election in June -- more Montanans cast ballots in this election than any other midterm primary.

More than 300,000 ballots were cast in the June primary, the highest raw vote total for a primary during a midterm election year in state history.

According to the Montana Secretary of State website, Montana consistently has had one of the highest voter turnout rates in the nation. Additionally, Montana has one of the older populations in the nation. According to census data, Montana ranks eighth in the nation for "oldest" states with 21.2 % of its population over 65 years old.

When looking specifically at the voting-age population (Montanans 18 and older), the proportion of older adults is even higher:

Montana Senior Voting Base: Adults aged 65 and older now make up 24.8% (nearly one-quarter) of Montana's total voting-age population.
The Over-50 Bloc: When expanding the lens to include those aged 50 to 64, older adults account for roughly 65% of all registered voters in the state.

This demographic shifts significant electoral influence to older residents, who historically maintain the highest voter turnout rates in the state.

“Candidates from either party need to do well with older voters if they are going to win in the primary or general election,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. "Additionally, candidates need to be focused on the issues that matter to older voters."

Issues that matter to older voters

"We know from polls and surveys that issues such as tax relief, healthcare, financial security and independent living are key concerns to older voters," said Summers. "We also know that older voters across the state want their elected officials to address these issues."

AARP Montana recently released the Vital Voices Survey of 720 Montana residents, age 45 and over. This was a survey that asked respondents a series of questions to get opinions of older Montanans on everything from healthcare to fraud.

Specific findings from those surveyed include:

76% are concerned about being able to afford their property taxes.
92% say it’s important to eliminate or phase out Montana’s tax on Social Security income (53% extremely / 26% very / 13% somewhat).
96% say it is important to stay in their own home as they get older
74% say elected leaders should place a very high or fairly high priority on affordable housing
94% say having high quality long-term care services in their community is important
84% are concerned about personally being targeted by a scam or fraud
67% are concerned about affording their utility bills in the coming years
65% currently or previously served as an unpaid family caregiver
97% voted in the previous election

“We believe older voters will once again play a critical role in the coming election. Older Montanans vote more than any other age group. Older voters also take time to find out where candidates stand on the issues. They want to make sure that the candidates they vote for are really going to represent them. If candidates want to win, they would be wise to pay attention to the issues that matter to 50-plus Montanans," said Summers.

Online voting guide for Montanans 50+

“The 2026 election season is well underway and we all know that voting rules can be complicated,” said Summers. “Our goal is to inform Montanans 50+ about the how, when and where of voting so they can confidently cast their ballot in the upcoming elections this year. This is why we created an online 'How to Vote' guide."

Find the AARP Montana election guide at: aarp.org/MTVotes.

Download a Montana Voters over 50 Factsheet >>

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