DURHAM, N.C. — Seniors are the most likely age group to get out and vote, and this year is not expected to be any exception. 

What You Need To Know

  • More than 70% of seniors in North Carolina voted during the 2022 general election

  • This is a higher percentage than any other age group

  • Seniors often care about issues like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

  • But many are also trying to inspire the next generation of voters

Brenda Pollard is a big advocate for getting people to the polls — especially seniors.

“It's important to us because we have our own issues,” Pollard said. “Each generation does.”

She’s the president of Senior Democrats for Durham.

“I decided if we didn't do it, and I didn't take some leadership in it and ownership, we would not have a voice at the table,” she said.

And she doesn't only talk the talk, she walks the walk. Pollard is a popular face at Democratic events and has been elected to be a DNC delegate for every national convention since 2012. She says having a voice is important for issues that seniors face every day.

“Students want their loans paid right? But we want our Social Security, our Medicare and Medicaid,” Pollard said. “And those are the things we're fighting for.”

According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, 71% of voters 66 and older voted during the 2022 general election. That number decreases with younger age groups. 59% of North Carolinians ages 41 to 65 voted, 34% of those 26 to 40, and only 24% of those 18 to 25.

“We are living in our present and our young folks are living in the future,” Pollard said. “So we want to be sure that our vote is counted for the future for the generations coming behind us.”

Seniors like Louise Specht are out pounding the pavement, encouraging people to register and vote.

“I think when you get to be a senior voter, you voted in many elections, and you have a real perspective of events …” Specht said. “And I have a feeling for the direction that the country is going to and what role small role I can have in things going forward.”

Many believe casting their ballot today is actually for what comes after them.

“I'm doing it for my kids and my grandkids,” Specht said.

Pollard says seniors — many of them grandparents — have a responsibility to encourage the next generation to take part in democracy.

“We want to help each other and involve each other and learn from each other,” Pollard said.

Many chapters of the Senior Democrats help arrange transportation to the polls for seniors who need it. Polling locations also offer curbside voting options.