Older New Yorkers Played an Important
Role in the 2020 Election
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Caribbean Life, Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2020 15
In a year filled with so much
uncertainty, social distancing
and sheltering at home, the
2020 Election turned out to be
the election with the highest
voter turnout in U.S. history.
And many of those who cast
their ballots were older adults.
COVID-19 has changed so
many different aspects of our
daily lives, including the way
we vote. Unlike previous years,
43 states offered early voting,
which was essential to help
citizens, especially older adults,
safely participate in this year’s
election. Necessary precautions
were also put in place to help
voters avoid crowded polling
places and maintain adequate
social distancing.
Older adults are historically
the most reliable voters. It is
estimated that more than 70%
of people 60 and older vote
during presidential elections.
This year was no different.
Older New Yorkers waited
in line, sometimes for hours,
to cast their vote. We, older
adults, take voting seriously
because elected officials
help shape the future of the
communities we helped build,
we care deeply about the policy
and issues that affect us, our
children, our grandchildren
and extended family, and, most
of all, because we know that
voting is a not only a privilege,
it is a civic duty.
The 2020 election was
especially unique as it coincided
with the 100th anniversary of
women’s right to vote and the
passage of the 19th Amendment.
On Election Day, we heard of
New York centennial women,
who were born before this
constitutional right was
granted, defy expectations and
COVID-19 to exercise this
right, including 107-year-old
Delia Garces of Washington
Heights. Accompanied by her
granddaughter, she traveled to
her local polling site on Election
Day and voted, telling a reporter
that she has voted in every
presidential election and was
not going to let anything keep
her from voting this year!
Although older adults are
the most committed and
largest voting age group, they
continue to be overlooked in
most elections. Our nation
continues to have an ageist
mentality that drowns the
civic engagement, activism,
and contributions of older
adults. With COVID-19,
there has been a resurgence of
ageist stereotypes. The NYC
Department for the Aging is
focused on changing pervasive
attitudes and stereotypes about
aging. We have long advocated
for older adults in New York
City, and plan to launch an
anti-ageism campaign in the
coming new year that reminds
New Yorkers that older adults
are a valuable asset who
have much to contribute.
And let’s not forget that the
two candidates in this year’s
presidential election were older
than 70. But it is exactly what
our country needs right now –
a leader with the wisdom and
experience that many older
adults have.
While the election took
most of our attention this
month, I do want to recognize
that November is National
Caregivers Month. It takes
place in the same month as
Thanksgiving, which I find
very fitting as we should give
thanks to all the wonderful
caregivers who support and
care for their older parents,
siblings and loved ones.
We know that caregiving is
an everyday effort, and we
appreciate all that you do.
I hope everybody enjoys the
start of the holiday season. Let
us be thankful for our everyday
blessings and continue to stay
connected to one another.
NYC Department for the
Aging Commissioner
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
COVID-19 did not stop older New Yorkers from voting in the
2020 Election. Older adults are historically the most reliable
voters, and this year was no different.
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