Editor,

AARP Maine and our more than 230,000 members would like to extend our congratulations and best wishes to all the candidates running in the general election in November.

We would also like to remind everyone that November is not that far away.  By far the biggest and most robust voting bloc in the state is that of Mainers over the age of 50. The issues impacting older Mainers are of particular importance here in Maine, the oldest state in the country. Whether it’s the cost of living in retirement, access to housing that’s affordable or staying connected to friends and family, AARP Maine is advocating on these issues.

At the national level, nothing is more important to our members than protecting the Social Security and Medicare benefits we have worked all our lives to earn.

In Maine, we expect the next legislature will be asked to deal with health care costs and access (especially for those aged 50 to 64), prescription drug pricing, and transparency about how pricing is established.

We also look forward to following the election by celebrating November as the first-ever Maine Family Caregivers Month and raising awareness about the needs and challenges of 178,000 Maine family caregivers.

It’s a loaded agenda, and we welcome the participation of all who would serve in elected office.  

At the same time, AARP’s Be The Difference. Vote. campaign encourages all Mainers to make their voices heard.  Help us send a strong message to candidates and politicians this election by visiting www.aarp.org/Pledge2Vote and adding your name.

What are the issues of concern to you and to your family?  Every vote counts, and together, we can hold politicians accountable regarding the issues that matter.

Rich Livingston

AARP Maine Volunteer State President

Biddeford