De Blasio, Lhota Lay out Positions on Key Issues to 50+ Vote - Group Set to Determine NYC's Next Mayor

Mayoral Candidates Make Case for Powerhouse 50+ Vote in AARP Voters' Guide, Assoc.'s Members Could Account for Half of All Votes

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In last month's New York City primaries, voters age 50 and older made up over 55% of all ballots cast – with most votes likely coming from AARP members. Victory in November hinges on the age group's vote and today AARP is releasing its NYC Mayoral Voters' Guide where the candidates for Mayor, Bill de Blasio and Joe Lhota, state their positions on the top issues for NYC's 50+ voters. 

Based on past turnout numbers and voting likelihood, AARP predicts at least half of all votes cast in the NYC General Election will come from AARP members. With 743,463 members in New York City, 68% (or nearly 506,000) hit the polls in the last Mayoral election. 80% (or 587,366) vote in higher magnitude races, such open Mayoral and City Council seats.

"Our members and 50+ voters are a force in NYC elections and they are looking to get the facts on the issues that matter to them before they vote – affordable housing, age discrimination, sandwich generation caregiving and safe communities, these issues are on 50+ voters' minds," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York. "While not all of the issues are front and center on the campaign trail, AARP is working to make sure those that will determine the next mayor of New York know the candidates' positions to make the choice that's right for them."

Issues that matter to NYC's 50+ voters: Based on a recent survey of 50+ voters in NYC, AARP posed the following questions to the candidates for Mayor:

Financial Security: How would you ensure that people can afford to live with independence and financial security in New York City as they grow older?

50+ Workers: How would you provide 50+ workers with job opportunities and protections from age discrimination?

Caregiving: How would you assist caregivers and the loved ones for whom they care?

Livable Communities: What would you do to ensure transportation and housing options are safe, affordable, accessible and user friendly, empowering residents to remain in their homes and neighborhoods as they age?

The AARP NYC Mayoral Voters' Guides can be found online: http://bit.ly/1fg7Z52

Through the general election AARP is taking its voter engagement efforts to the street, online and into the homes of members and 50+ voters citywide.  

While AARP does not endorse candidates, have a PAC, or give money to campaigns or political parties, the non-partisan membership organization does provide straight-forward information on issues to 50-plus voters, the media and the general public.

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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