New AARP Poll Finds NY Congressional District 1 Race Could Go Either Way

Survey of District's Most Powerful Voting Bloc Details What's on Their Minds & What Could Tip the Election

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Sep 29, 2014, 01:49 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Long Island's 50+ voters are a powerhouse at the ballot box, making up 56% of all ballots cast in 2010 and 52% in 2012. A new survey by AARP New York out today finds a whopping 86% of registered 50+ voters in Long Island's 1^st Congressional District say they plan to hit the polls on Election Day – but who they'll vote for could be up in the air.

According to the survey of 50+ voters in CD 1, 46% of those surveyed say they will definitely (30%) or probably (16%) vote for Congressman Tim Bishop, 36% say they'll definitely (20%) or probably (16%) vote for his challenger, Lee Zeldin. Meanwhile, 18% haven't made up their minds and say they're unsure and more than a quarter (26%) say they might change their mind. AARP says what the candidates say about key concerns to the uber-voting force could make all the difference.

The voting group is mostly unhappy with things in Washington:

President Barack Obama's approval rating is 34% with the group, with more than half (55%) disapproving of the job the President is doing and 11% not sure.
Congress' approval rating is 11% with nearly 80% of 50+ voters in NY (79%) disapproving of the job Congress is doing and 10% not sure.

"One thing is very clear, who the most powerful voting group on Long Island votes for, could come down to where the candidates stand on a few key issues," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York. "From their own kitchen table economies to how things are going in Washington, this group is concerned and looking for answers."

Issues that may tip the scales (it should be noted that about half – 47% - said it was hard to find objective and reliable information on the candidate's records and positions):

83% reported they're more likely to vote for the candidate that would keep Social Security separate from any federal budget deficit discussions.
74% are more likely to vote for the candidate who'll reduce drug costs.
69% will be less likely to cast a ballot for a candidate who will ask current retirees to pay more Medicare.
Nearly 62% say they are more likely to vote for the candidate who supports improving care coordination to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions.
65% say whoever they vote for, they want that them to pass a measure (Protecting Older Workers Against Age Discrimination Act) giving older workers the same workplace protections as people who have been discriminated against because of their race, gender, religion or nationality (over 45% of 50+ New Yorkers say they've been exposed to age discrimination in the workplace).

Economic issues are weighing heavily with the group of voters with 64% saying the candidates' positions on improving financial security for the voter and their family is very important, 57% said the same thing about helping people save for retirement.

Other key findings for CD1's 50+ voters:

50% are in the workforce.
52% are collecting Social Security benefits.
30% have a child over 18 living in their household and 15% are parents to children 18 or younger.

AARP has launched voter engagement efforts in the district, from voters' guides, to on the ground efforts to ensure all voters know where the candidates stand on key issues, and will be sponsoring a candidate debate next month.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York