Absentee Voting

Casting Your Vote with At Home Elder Care

Whether it stems from a sense of duty, a need to protect social security and Medicaid, or simply because they have more time on their hands, senior citizens play a critical role in deciding the political composition and direction of our country.

Simply put, when it comes to voting, seniors rule the roost. In 2010, voter turnout for those 65 and older was a whopping 61 percent of eligible voters, double that of adults 25 to 44 and nearly triple the percentage of voters 18 to 24; barely half of those 45 to 64 cast a ballot. During the 2012 presidential election, nearly 75 percent of seniors voted, while not even 60 percent showed up from all other demographics, combined. With the 2016 presidential

Most states have assigned polling places for registered voters. At home elder care providers can ensure your loved ones have transportation to and from their polling site on Election Day.

Assisting with absentee ballots. Housebound seniors are able to take advantage of absentee voting, and elder care services are there for support. While each state has specific requirements, an absentee ballot can generally be requested from the county Supervisor of Elections. If your loved one needs assistance in obtaining a ballot, caregivers may often request a ballot for them.

Making arrangements for early voting. Many states allow voters to cast ballots early if they will not be able to make it to the polling station on Election Day, or if they will face a significant hardship in doing so.

In addition to casting votes, many seniors want to be involved in the political process by helping others with their votes. Just because your senior loved one requires support does not mean they need to scale back their political activities. Here are a few ideas for your loved one to stay politically active, even from home, and how at home elder care can