Vice President Kamala Harris has successfully managed her campaign following her groundbreaking ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket. However, convincing seniors to vote for her remains a critical task that requires improvement.

One former reliable segment of the Democratic Party’s voting coalition, individuals aged 65 and older, have shifted towards supporting Republicans since 2000. The Harris-Walz team stands a great chance to attract these voters back to the Democratic fold. Even if the Democratic presidential ticket does not win over older voters, narrowing the margin of loss could significantly impact the election outcome.

Often referred to as “always-voters,” older individuals maintain a consistent record of showing up at the polls. They exhibit notably high turnout rates, especially in key battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

In 2020, older voters displayed a voting rate of 71.9%, outperforming the overall 67% voter turnout rate. Notably, Arizona and Georgia registered 20% and 17% higher voting rates among older individuals compared to other age groups.

Accounting for 22% of the total electorate in 2020, individuals aged 65 and above formed a significant portion of voters. Those aged 50 and older collectively constituted over half of the total voting population.

With older voters expected to maintain a substantial share in the 2024 election, any slight shifts in their voting patterns could have substantial implications in crucial states.

The Democratic Party should ideally secure the support of this age group given its longstanding commitment to programs like Social Security and Medicare, which are essential issues for seniors and have broad public backing.

Despite this alignment, the Harris-Walz ticket faces challenges in winning over older voters. Recent polls suggest a seven-percentage-point deficit among voters aged 65 and over. Before exiting the race, President Biden maintained a three-percentage-point lead in this segment.

While Democrats have effectively communicated their efforts to lower drug prices, particularly in terms of negotiating drug prices under Medicare, further emphasis on Social Security is warranted.

Similar to Medicare, the Democratic Party’s stance on Social Security resonates with the majority of Americans, who overwhelmingly oppose cuts to earned benefits. The Harris-Walz proposal to require higher-income individuals to contribute fairly is well-received among voters.

However, recent polling indicates that the public lacks clarity on the party’s positions on key issues. The Harris-Walz campaign should consider running ads to highlight these distinctions more prominently.

President Trump’s attempts to mislead voters regarding undocumented immigrants’ impact on Social Security are unfounded. Notably, undocumented individuals are ineligible for Social Security benefits, and documented workers must contribute over many years to start receiving benefits.

Moreover, Trump’s track record raises concerns about his commitment to protecting Social Security, given past proposals to cut benefits and privatize the system.

Efforts to secure support from both young and older voters are essential, countering the false narrative that generational divisions preclude common interests. Protecting Social Security benefits everyone, emphasizing the shared responsibility and mutual benefits of the program.

Highlighting the Democratic Party’s commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the Social Security system through targeted campaigns is crucial for winning over seniors and ensuring the program’s sustainability for current and future generations.