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By Sharon Lewis
With an average of over 50 years of voting experience, baby boomers, the generation of Americans born from 1946 to 1964, are vocal and willing to share their expertise and knowledge on the importance of voting.
The Cleveland Observer spoke with four baby boomers, ages 63 to 75, about their opinions and political affiliations.
Pat Bauer, 71, is currently a Republican who switched from the Democratic Party in her 60s. Bauer is a Cleveland resident who retired from the former Parma Community General Hospital (now known as University Hospitals Parma Medical Center) and worked a total of 38 years as a licensed practical nurse, a child life worker, a coordinator of non-medical home health, and as activity director of the ElderCenter. Bauer loves to learn and takes classes. She doesyoga, tai chi, and cardio drumming, is active in her church, and enjoys socializing with family and friends.
Clifton Jones, 75, is a Euclid resident originally from Detroit. He is a business owner and caregiver. Jones has strong moral values, loves his family, and is a deacon at his church. His political beliefs align more with those of an Independent voter, but for the Nov. 5 general election, Jones is leaning towards the Democrats.
Bill Furey, 63, has worked in electronics distribution for 35 years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marines and a Twinsburg, City Council member. Furey resides with his wife of 30 years and has an adult son. He plays golf and has participated in numerous political campaigns – both his own and those of others. Furey is a big fan of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
Lessie Milton Jones is a baby boomer, an attorney, and a Westlake resident. Milton Jones’ political affiliation is Democrat. She is known for her passion for justice and involvement in causes that aid the less fortunate and animal welfare. Milton Jones sits on the board of several charitable organizations and has a solid Christian faith. Milton Jones is an avid reader and prides herself on staying abreast of current events.
Each registered to vote between the ages of 18 and 22, and have voted in nearly every election since becoming registered voters omitting a few local elections. None have missed the opportunity to vote in a presidential election.
The Cleveland Observer (TCO) asked each of the baby boomers questions about their voting habits and the shifts happening toward the general election in November.
How did voter turnout differ by age in 2020?
According to USA Facts, youth voter turnout increased the most of any age group, rising by 10 percentage points compared with the previous presidential election. It’s the second federal election with an increase in youth voter turnout. In the 2018 midterms, youth voter turnout almost doubled from 2014, yet young voters still turn out the least of all age groups. Seniors turn out at the highest rate, with about 72% voting in 2020, an increase of four percentage points from 2016.
TCO: Do you plan to vote in the 2024 presidential election?
FUREY: Yes.
MILTON JONES: Yes.
BAUER: Yes.
JONES: Yes.
TCO: Could anything keep you from voting in the upcoming Election?
All responded: Resounding “No.”
Jones added, “Death would be the only thing that could stop me because it is that important.”
Almost across the board, the importance of voting was stressed in their households when they were growing up, perhaps signaling to parents that this conversation should take place early to foster the belief that voting is essential.
TCO: Have you ever discussed voting or your political ideologies with a member of the younger generations ( Gen Z, Millennials, etc.)?
MILTON JONES: I’ve talked to my nieces and nephews in their 20s. I have cautioned them not to be blindsided by the idea that we can all get along.
JONES: I tell them what my father told me. Participate by educating yourself, voting, talking with people about relationships, listening, and sharing. I’ve talked to my granddaughter and several other young people.
BAUER: I share my thoughts and have talked to people aged 17 -22.
TCO: Have you ever participated in a Political campaign?
FUREY: Yes. I have participated in more political campaigns than I can count.
BAUER: No, but I will be working the polls this November.
MILTON JONES: I worked on political campaigns for former Cleveland Mayor Michael White.
JONES: No, because I prefer to keep my volunteerism private.
TCO: How do you feel about President Biden stepping down and deciding not to run for reelection?
JONES: It was an unselfish act for the good of the country.
BAUER: I see it as him needing to step down because of diminished capacity. Kamala Haris’ running is good for the Democrats, and because of Obama’s support, she will be well-received.
MILTON JONES: I initially thought that Biden stepping down would derail the Democratic Party. But in hindsight, it has galvanized the Democratic Party.
FUREY: Biden was pushed out by the shadow government once he had to spend two minutes without a teleprompter, and the world became aware of the coverup.
According to Vox, an online news platform, “Voter turnout tends to rise with age, and baby boomers and the silent generation, made up of Americans born between 1928 and 1945, still vote at higher rates than younger Americans. While turnout rates for millennials soared, just 42 percent of eligible millennials turned out to vote, compared with 64 percent of baby boomers and older voters. Yet, due to dwindling numbers, baby boomers cast only 36 percent of ballots in 2018, the generation’s lowest share in a midterm election since 1986.”
“2018 also marked the first time more than half — 55 percent — of Generation X voters showed up to midterm elections.”
Next was one of the most critical questions posed.
TCO: What is the most severe threat to our democracy?
JONES: It is the subtle racism pervasive in our society.
FUREY: It is illegal immigration and the two-tiered justice system.
MILTON JONES: It is Donald Trump.
BAUER: The border and the economy.
TCO: What advice would you give the younger generations about voting?
The sentiment was similar but slightly different depending on ethnicity and party lines.
FUREY: Do not let teachers and non-parents push you around and indoctrinate you. As a Marine veteran, people have died to defend the right/honor. Be informed and participate in the process, or do not complain when those in power implement policies you do not support.
MILTON JONES: I don’t feel that telling the younger generation that people died so they could vote resonates today. Many young people have friends of different races and ethnicities, and many have never experienced racism firsthand, so there is no filter on their lens. My advice is when you think you have nothing else that you can do to overcome unfairness, voting should be the first thing that comes to mind. Reflecting historically, we must understand that our political opponents could take our right to vote in this current political climate, where our history is negated and removed from the history books.
JONES: we should all stay involved, vote our conscience, and read enough to stay informed.
BAUER: Every single vote counts. It is a responsibility and a privilege to vote. There is no better way for your voice to be heard than with your vote.
If there is any truth to the adage that “with age comes wisdom,” we can learn much from this generation. As you might expect, opinions vary based on life experience and party affiliations. Still, the resounding sentiment is that every person of voting age should register and vote in the upcoming presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Sharon Lewis graduated from John Carroll University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and holds a Master of Education from Cleveland State University
