In this year’s wide-open races for mayor, D.C. Council, U.S. House Delegate, and other key offices, critical issues are on the line — from housing and transportation to the affordability of health care and protecting Social Security. And once again, voters age 50 and older have the power to shape the outcome.
Older voters remain one of the most reliable and influential voting blocs. Nationally, voters 50-plus made up more than half of the electorate in 2024, underscoring their outsized impact on who wins and who leads. Here in the District, that influence is just as important, especially in a year marked by major leadership changes and competitive races.
This election also brings a significant shift for District voters: the introduction of ranked choice voting (RCV). For the first time, voters will be able to rank candidates in order of preference — first, second, third, and beyond — in races with three or more candidates. Rather than choosing just one candidate, voters can select backup options, ensuring their vote continues to count even if their top choice is eliminated. This process continues until a candidate earns a majority of support.
While new, RCV is designed to give voters a stronger voice and ensure election winners reflect broader support across the community. Importantly, voters can rank as many, or as few, candidates as they wish, and ranking additional candidates does not hurt their first choice.
To help voters navigate this change, AARP DC has launched a robust voter education effort, including guides, community events, and partnerships across all eight wards. Our goal is simple: ensure every voter, especially those who have been casting ballots for decades, feels confident and prepared when they head to the polls.
At the same time, AARP DC is making sure candidates understand the issues that matter most to older residents. Through our 2026 Candidate Guide, we asked candidates across major races to share where they stand on key priorities affecting older adults and their families. These are not abstract concerns. They are everyday challenges that shape the quality of life. AARP research consistently shows that financial pressures, caregiving responsibilities, and health care costs weigh heavily on voters 50-plus, making these issues central to how they evaluate candidates.
AARP DC has also engaged directly with candidates to elevate these priorities and encourage thoughtful solutions. By providing a platform for candidate responses and expanding voter education, we are helping ensure that voters can make informed decisions based on the issues that matter most to them.
As always, AARP is strictly nonpartisan. We don’t tell people who to vote for, but we do make sure voters have access to accurate, up-to-date information about when, where, and how to vote, along with clear insights into where candidates stand.
Here in the District, voters 50-plus have long been a driving force in our elections. Candidates who want to win should pay close attention: these voters decide elections, and they are focused on issues like caregiving, housing, and economic security.
With early voting underway and Primary Election Day on June 16 quickly approaching, now is the time to get informed and make a plan to vote. To learn more about ranked choice voting and explore AARP DC’s 2026 Candidate Guide, visit aarp.org/DCVotes.
