Mayors Are The Nation's Least Polarizing, Most Unifying Elected Officials, Say 50+ Voters

Mayors and local government leaders are viewed more favorably by American voters age 50 or older than any other type of elected official — be that person a governor, member of Congress or the president of the United States. 

That finding and others from the 2019 AARP 50+ Voters Local Issues Survey reveal that:

50+ voters want transparency and accountability in government — and they have little appetite for divisive politics or ideology

• 73% of age 50+ voters are looking for leaders who care about the needs of everyone, no matter their age, race or income
  
  
• 65% want a leader who is transparent about how decisions are made
  
  
• 37% seek a leader who shares their political values

50+ voters are long-term constituents

• 64% of 50+ voters plan to stay in their current city or town for the rest of their life
  
  
• 85% plan to stay in their current city or town for at least another 10 years

50+ voters are engaged beyond voting

• 34% have gotten involved in local community organizations within the last year
  
  
• 24% have attended or spoke at a city or town council meeting in the last year

50+ voters would be much be “much more favorable” to their mayors if they prioritized:

• Working with businesses and other organizations to support local businesses and create more jobs in the community (71%)
  
  
• Investing in services to help older adults live independently in their homes (64%)
  
  
• Investing in jobs and volunteer opportunities for older adults (55%)
  
  
• Investing more funding in roadwork and related infratstructure to make the community safer for pedestrians and bicyclists (49%)
  
  
• Investing new funding into creating more low- and middle-income housing options (46%)

^{Page published January 2019}