Most Family Caregivers Are Registered to Vote
The likelihood of someone voting often depends on age, gender, race, and income. A new national survey by AARP finds voting behavior among family members who provide unpaid caregiving for their loved ones is slightly different from that of the general population.
Overall, American women have higher registration rates than men, but this research shows male caregivers are more likely to be registered to vote (93%) compared to their female counterparts (79%).
The trend continues when it comes to turning up at the polls.
AARP reports 65% of men and 44% of women caregivers surveyed say they always vote when there is an election. Asked just before the 2022 midterms if they planned to cast a vote, 93% of men and 87% of women indicated they would.
Older adults, including those who are caregivers, generally are more likely to vote.
Voting in the 2020 election was highest among Americans age 65 and older (76%) and lowest among those ages 18–24 (51%). AARP finds in its survey of family caregivers that 98% of those over age 65 were registered and 96% voted in 2020.
The poll revealed no racial or ethnic differences in voter registration trends between the general adult population and those who served as caregivers for loved ones. In both instances, White adults were more likely than Black or Hispanic adults to be active voters.
Turnout also varies by political party.
AARP reports that 66% of caregivers who are Democrats, 57% of Republicans, and 39% of independents say they always vote when there in an election. Those least likely to vote (19%) are independents.
Why don't caregivers vote? Most often it's lack of interest. AARP finds 62% don't want to register, and 13% don't have the time to fill out the forms. In addition, 8% are not U.S. citizens, 6% don't know how, and another 6% have a disability and need help with registering.
The U.S. Caregivers' and Voting Study was conducted by Alan Newman Research for AARP among a sample of 1,004 U.S. family caregivers 18 and older using a combination of landline, cellphone, and online sampling. The survey was done to better understand the voting behavior and intentions of caregivers. The survey interviews averaged 12 minutes in length by telephone and 8 minutes in length online. The interviews were conducted in English October 6–27, 2022.
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Keenan, Teresa A. 2022 U.S. Caregivers' Voting Behavior Survey. Washington, DC: AARP Research. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00593.001
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