New AARP Pennsylvania Presidential Poll Continues to Show Tight Race Among 50+ Voters

State's 65-plus Voters May Tip the Scales in 2020 Election

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Oct 19, 2020, 14:51 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today AARP Pennsylvania released a new survey that shows the race for President among 50+ voters in Pennsylvania remains close just 16 days before the November 3 General Election.

The new poll has former Vice-President Biden (50%) still holding a small lead over President Trump (47%) among the state's 50+ voters. Former Vice-President Biden held a 50% - 46% lead in AARP's September 8 poll.

Biden's lead among Pennsylvania's older voters is being driven by 65+ voters, who favor the former vice-president by a 57% - 40% margin.

AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer State President Joanne Grossi said the state's older adults will play a significant role in determining the winner of the Commonwealth's 20 electoral votes in 2020. Pennsylvanians age 50+ made up 60.8% of all voters in 2018 and 55.6% in 2016.

"These new poll results continue to show that this election will be decided in battleground states like Pennsylvania," said Grossi. "One thing that's not in doubt is that Pennsylvania's 50+ voters will turn out for this election—they want their voices heard, and they will find a way to vote safely. Candidates must continue to address the concerns of 50+ voters if they want to win the state."

Other findings from the poll include:

50+ voters trust former Vice-President Biden to protect Social Security and Strengthen Medicare by a 51% - 43% margin over President Trump. (the margin was 51% - 42% in AARP's September 8 survey)
50+ voters trust former Vice-President Biden to make health care more affordable by a 50% - 42% margin over President Trump. (the margin was 49% - 40% in AARP's September 8 survey)
50+ voters trust President Trump to rebuild the economy by a 50% - 48% margin over former Vice-President Biden. (the margin was 48% - 47% in AARP's September 8 survey)
61% of 50+ voters plan to cast ballots in person on Election Day, while 14% have already voted by mail-in ballot.
62% of 50+ voters are worried about getting coronavirus, up from 55% in AARP's September 8 survey.

A summary of the entire poll is available at aarp.org/election2020polls.

Benenson Strategy Group conducted the survey among 683 likely 2020 voters in Pennsylvania, which fielded from October 13 to October 15, 2020. Overall margin of error is ± 3.75% at 95% level of confidence.

In August, AARP Pennsylvania launched "Protect Voters 50+," a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to educate, support and protect Americans 50+ as they vote in the 2020 elections. Visit www.aarp.org/PAVotes for information about this year's election, including how to vote safely, whether at home or in person.

About AARP

AARP has 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. Follow AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook at AARPPA and on Twitter @AARPPA.

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

CONTACT:
Steve Gardner, AARP PA
(717) 319-5484 or [email protected]

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania