BEVERLY, Mass. -- Senior citizens are reliable voters, which means they're very popular these days with candidates.

Because a low voter turnout is predicted for next month's primary election many gubernatorial hopefuls target niches, like senior citizens.

Chris Gabrieli was pumping the two-pound weights at the Senior Center in Beverly today. The Democrat stood amid a circle of senior citizens, joining them in their twice-weekly exercise routine.

"I need your help on September 19th," said Gabrieli.

Gabreili isn’t alone in his campaign for senior votes. Attorney General Tom Reilly unveiled a senior citizen Bill of Rights earlier this month in Tewksbury focusing mainly on prescription drugs and freedom from abuse.

Deval Patrick, the third Democratic candidate for governor, has also courted the senior vote with plans to hold down property tax rates.