CHICAGO MAYORAL RACE 2019

INSIGHTS FROM CHICAGO VOTERS AGE 50+

Knowing that residents over the age of 50 consistently vote in higher numbers – and the influence this powerful voting
bloc will likely have on the 2019 mayoral election in Chicago – AARP Illinois commissioned a survey of 801 registered
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voters age 50 and older in the city. The survey was designed to assess what issues would be on voters’ minds when they
cast their ballots and to identify areas of concern that voters want addressed by the city’s next leader.

Economic pressures, political corruption, and crime are top concerns among Chicago voters age 50 and older, and are
among the most important issues voters want the next mayor to address. More than half (53%) of Chicago voters 50 and
older worry, at least from time to time, about not being able to stay in Chicago due to financial reasons. A majority
perceive that violence in Chicago has increased in the last five years (61%).

Top Concerns of Chicago Voters 50+ Importance of Hearing from Candidates on Issues
(n=801) (n=801)

Paying too much in

51% 18% Reducing crime/violence 87%
taxes

Prices rising faster than Services for vulnerable

46% 21% 78%
income residents

Political corruption 45% 22% Improving education 77%

Threat of
41% 23%
violence/crime Jobs and the economy 76%

VOTERS AGE 50+ INDICATING VERY/SOMEWHAT OFTEN WORRY (%) VOTERS AGE 50+ INDICATING VERY IMPORTANT (%)

Consistently, among the 44% who have considered leaving Chicago in the past year, the top two reasons include
seeking lower overall cost of living (87%) and lower taxes (83%), followed by wanting to live in a safer community or one
with lower crime rate (80%). With the threat of violence and crime being one of the top issues of concern for Chicago
voters age 50-plus, the vast majority agree that it is very important the mayoral candidates have a plan for reducing
violence and crime.

As further indication of the concern around budget and crime, voters 50-plus place more importance on a candidate with
expertise to address these issues over a seasoned politician with ties to existing leaders and influencers in the city of
Chicago (69% versus 29% stating it is very important).

At least three-quarters of voters age 50-plus in Chicago indicate that it is very important to them to hear from candidates
on how they plan to ensure availability of essential services for the elderly and vulnerable. The voters also want to hear
candidates’ positions on education and the economy.

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Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish between December 10-23, 2018, reaching both landline and mobile phones. The
data are weighted by age and gender, race/ethnicity, and have a margin of error of +/-3.5%. Full methodology report and survey
instrument at aarp.org/research. For more information, contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org
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