Chicago 2023 Mayoral Election Survey: Insights of Voters Age 50+

Chicago voters want a candidate who is strong on crime, jobs, and essential services.

by Joanne Binette, AARP Research, January 2023

Chicago voters 50 and over say that a mayoral candidate’s position crime and economic issues will sway their vote in the 2023 election. Older voters are so concerned about these issues that a nearly nine in ten say they have considered leaving the city for a safer community.

Chicago voters also cited other issues that affect their quality of life, including essential services for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families; health care; transportation; and affordable housing.

Key Findings

• Nine in ten (88%) Chicago voters age 50-plus have considered leaving the city of Chicago in the past year to live in a safer community with a lower crime rate.

• Nine out of ten (89%) say a candidate’s position on crime and violence is “very important” in helping them make their voting decision for the next mayor.

• A candidate’s position on jobs and the economy is also a “very important” influence on the voting decisions of nearly three-quarters (72%) of Chicago voters age 50-plus.

• At least seven in ten Chicago voters age 50-plus say their vote would be greatly impacted by a candidate’s position on essential services for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families; access to quality health care; access to easy and safe transportation options; and affordable housing for all residents.

• Most (86%) Chicago 50-plus voters say they will vote in the upcoming mayoral election in February 2023.

Methodology

Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish between November 9 and 20, 2022, reaching both landline and mobile phones. The data are weighted by age and gender, race/ethnicity, and AARP membership. For more information, contact Joanne Binette at jbinette@ aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.