Yet, many 50-plus voters feel frustrated because they don't feel they know where the candidates stand on strengthening Social Security and Medicare and other important issues. And, in fact, they tell us that the candidates have done a poor job explaining their plans for addressing these priority issues.

So, we posed three questions:

1. How would you protect Social Security for older Americans today and strengthen it for future generations?

2. How would you put Medicare on stronger financial ground and protect beneficiaries today and in the future from the burden of rising health care costs?

3. How would you help Americans build a financial nest egg for their retirement?

After paying into Social Security and Medicare throughout your working life, you've earned a say about their future. You also should know where the presidential and congressional candidates stand. I urge you to read the 2012 AARP Presidential Voters' Guide in the autumn issue of AARP The Magazine or online at earnedasay.org.

Decide for yourself which candidate best reflects your values and views. Then on Election Day, get out and vote your choice.

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