UTICA, N.Y. -- AARP Staff and volunteers are urging members to get out and vote in the upcoming election.

Their goal isn't to push for a specific candidate, as AARP is a nonpartisan group, but to encourage people to vote for the candidates who would strengthen and preserve programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

They say this is a critical election.

"We need to make sure that people don't just wait for every four years, a presidential election, but that they understand that the midterm elections are just as important," said AARP volunteer Nancy Katz.

The AARP door knockers also advocated for votes supporting family caregivers and lower prescription drug prices.