Maine’s candidates should pay attention to voters 50-plus. Why? Because Maine voters 50-plus comprise nearly 65% of the likely voting electorate. In short, they will be the deciders on Nov. 8.

In an AARP poll released just before the primary, voters 50-plus cited inflation and rising costs as the most important issues in state and federal races. Just 35% of Maine likely voters 50 and older say the economy is working well for them.

It’s no wonder they feel this way. The inflation rate has reached its highest level since the 1980s, making it difficult for many older Americans in Maine and across the country to afford basic necessities such as utilities, groceries and medicines. This is particularly true for retirees on a fixed income.

The combination of high inflation, lack of paid leave for family caregivers and the difficulty many older adults experience finding jobs present roadblocks to their financial resilience, economic health, and retirement planning.

Our gubernatorial candidates must be willing to share where they stand on several issues that impact voters 50-plus in Maine. One issue of great concern is the lack of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML). Approximately 181,000 Maine family caregivers provide nearly 152 million hours of unpaid care each year. It can be challenging for working family caregivers to balance their caregiving responsibilities and their jobs. Unfortunately, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that fewer than a quarter of U.S. workers have access to PFML. In our AARP 2022 voter survey, 70% of voters 50-plus indicated that they would be more likely to vote for a candidate for Governor who supported paid family medical leave.

Another issue of focus is broadband access. COVID revealed the lack of affordable high-speed internet coverage in Maine. Currently, 37% of rural Americans lack high-speed internet access at home and Maine, of course, is one of the most rural states in the nation. The digital divide is not only about infrastructure. It is also about access to technology such as computers and smartphones and the necessary training and guidance to use them. Telehealth, maintaining social connections, education and community engagement are critical issues broadband impact on s adults 50-plus.

Much is at stake for Maine on Nov. 8. Our voter survey indicates that 88% of Maine voters are highly motivated to vote in November. AARP has created a state-specific election guide for anyone seeking information about how, when and where to vote in the 2022 election. Maine voters can find it at all at www.aarp.org/mevotes. As the candidates crisscross the state this fall, we encourage them to listen to what 50-plus voters say. Their fate on Election Day may depend on it.

Noël Bonam is state director of AARP Maine.