As Election Day Nears, ‘I Wouldn’t Consider Not Voting’

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To ensure older adults can exercise their right to vote-wherever they call home-members can take advantage of the tools and information, including important do's and don'ts for nonprofit organizations, LeadingAge has curated on our 2024 Election Resources page.

Jim Loersh, an 82-year-old resident of Sheboygan Senior Community, a LeadingAge Wisconsin member in Sheboygan, WI, says he was taught at a young age about the importance of being involved with government: "I would not consider not voting." Sheboygan's staff, like those at members nationwide, are taking action to ensure everything is in place so he can do so as November 5 nears.

Paul Treffert, Sheboygan Senior Community CEO, explained his organization's approach in a recent interview with AARP. To help those who want to vote in person, employees keep a list of interested residents and the county sends special voting deputies there to help them. "There's a whole process around it that's very well-articulated and executed clearly every time," Treffert says. For example, Loersch, who has cerebral palsy, points to where he wants a staff member or a family member to mark the ballot, in a deputy's presence-a "perfect arrangement," he said. For those at Sheboygan who do not need help, the deputies step out of the room, according to Treffert.

LeadingAge has curated a range of tools and information on our 2024 Election Resources page, including important do's and don'ts for nonprofit organizations. Access these materials now.

It is important, explains Sheboygan's Treffert. "For our residents, it's an honor to vote."

Photo, courtesy of Sheboygan Senior Community: resident Jim Loersch, left, with CEO Paul Treffert.