Be the difference and vote in the midterm elections


Be the difference and vote in the midterm elections

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Getty Images En español | As the midterm elections draw near, rarely has our country seemed so divided, our need to rediscover our shared values so great. Rarely has there been a more


desperate need for our collective voice to be heard. That’s why this past spring, AARP launched a full-scale campaign entitled “Be the Difference. Vote!” to educate voters on the issues and


to urge you to show up at the polls next month.  The people we elect in November will make policy decisions that, in large part, will determine the future direction of Social Security,


Medicare, Medicaid and other programs that will shape the lives of older Americans for years to come. TWEET JO ANN Join me in the discussion about voting on Twitter, @JoAnn_Jenkins On these


issues, there are no partisan divides. A large national AARP survey conducted in July shows that older Americans are in strong accord on the issues that most affect their lives. About 9 out


of 10 registered voters who are age 50 and over agree that it is important to lower health care costs, cut the price of prescription drugs and make Social Security and Medicare stronger and


better. These voters want their government to look out for their interests. There is overwhelming support for allowing workers to take time off to care for their families. And they want


stronger laws to keep older workers from losing their jobs or facing other types of discrimination because of age. It’s also vital to them that rules are set to protect them from financial


advice that is not in their best interest. A 2017 AARP poll has also shown that most older voters strongly oppose some of the changes being considered in Washington. By significant


majorities, they oppose premium support or voucher-type proposals for Medicare, and they reject limits or block grants for Medicaid. And they worry that Congress might cut programs such as


Social Security. For these reasons, older Americans crave bipartisanship. They look for leaders who are willing to find common ground and are working to protect and strengthen crucial


programs. AARP has a proud history of providing voters with information on where candidates stand on issues. Throughout this campaign we have been sponsoring debates, hosting candidate


forums, holding tele-town hall events and providing news and analysis. AARP does not endorse or oppose candidates. We don’t have a political action committee or make donations to candidates


or political campaigns. But we do urge all candidates to make their positions clear with voters. Throughout this campaign, we’ve sought to arm you with what you need to know to make informed


decisions. Now it’s your turn. On Nov. 6, go to the polls. Stand up and protect what we’ve earned. Our future depends on it. Be the difference. Vote! _Jo Ann Jenkins is CEO of AARP._


_‘Raise Your Voice’ on Amazon Alexa and Google Home to get AARP’s take on the issues that affect you. Then vote with confidence by signing up to get the latest election updates and


reminders._ MORE ON ELECTIONS * 10 ways the midterms will affect older Americans * Read election stories, issue briefs and watch video voter guides at aarp.org/vote * Find out how your


lawmakers decided on two key Affordable Care Act repeal measures