The enormous voting power of older Americans was reflected in the U.S. Census Bureau's report of the 2004 election. According to the report, 125 million Americans-64% of those 18 or older-voted, up from 60% in the 2000 elections.
Older voters are well-known for their outsized role within the electorate,
and 2004 proved to be no exception. The highest voting rates were among voters
age 65-74 and 55-64 at 73%, followed by those ages 45-54 at 69%. The lowest
rate was among the youngest Americans: 47% for those ages 18-24.
Nearly seven months since the election, polls show that Americans are increasingly
unhappy with the President and Congress. Dissatisfaction with lawmakers on Capitol
Hill is higher than it has been since 1994, with 65% of Americans saying Congress
does not share their priorities, according to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News
poll. Six in 10 Americans feel the same about President Bush, according to a
CBS News poll.
On Social Security, President Bush's plan to divert payroll taxes into private
accounts and cut future benefits is not resonating with seniors despite the
President's repeated assurances that those over 55 would not be affected. The
CBS News poll found 68% of Americans 65 and older disapprove of his handling
of the issue; among the 45-64 age group, 67% disapprove. Pollsters agree that
unhappiness among seniors is of great concern to incumbents particularly because
senior turnout is disproportionately high in mid-term elections.
--Alliance of
Retired Americans (ARA)