New Hampshire voters are first in their focus on the issues and focus on the candidates. We spend months screening Presidential candidates during our first-in-the-nation primary activities and our responsibilities are still front and center with November 6 right around the corner.

The AARP Vote for Retirement Security 2012 Voters’ Guides feature information from the Presidential, Congressional District 1 and Congressional District 2 candidates. In their own words, they’ll outline their plans to strengthen Social Security, Medicare and financial security.

“AARP recently released a series of surveys that found voters 50+ overwhelmingly think the candidates have not done a good job of explaining their plans on Social Security and Medicare,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “These same voters, across party lines, say that getting more information on the candidates’ plans on Social Security and Medicare will help them determine their vote on Election Day.”

The three questions posed the Presidential and Congressional candidates are:

1. How would you protect Social Security for today’s seniors and strengthen it for future generations?
   
2. How would you put Medicare on stronger financial ground and protect today’s seniors and future retirees from the burden of rising health costs?
   
3. How would you help Americans build a financial nest egg for their retirement?
   

The responses, which appear along AARP principles on each issue, consist of publicly available information and excerpts from candidates’ campaign sources. A voter can enter their address to see responses from Obama and Romney, as well as candidates for New Hampshire Congressional Districts 1 and 2. Visitors to www.earnedasay.org will also be able to contact the Obama and Romney campaigns with their comments or questions.

“There are also important state-based issues and that is why AARP produced a gubernatorial voters’ guide as well,” continued Clark. “An aging state brings challenges surrounding long-term care reform, health care, transportation, budget and taxes.”

Find out where the candidates for Governor stand on these issues important to those 50+ and their families. Visit www.aarp.org/yourvote to view the candidates’ positions, absent the political spin and jargon, and see which candidate best meshes with your values and beliefs.

“Our priority is to ensure you know where the candidates stand before you cast your vote on November 6,” concluded Clark.