National Poll Finds Retirement Security an Important Issue for Voters in Upcoming Midterm Election

Leading pollsters release bipartisan survey showing widespread voter concern over retirement

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new bipartisan, national poll released today reveals concerns about retirement security are paramount on voter's minds and will be an important campaign issue in the upcoming midterm election.  

The survey, conducted by Lake Research Partners and Public Opinion Strategies,  shows widespread voter anxiety over having the means to maintain a comfortable standard of living throughout retirement. In addition, it indicates an overwhelming majority of the electorate believe Congress and candidates need to act to address the problem. The poll was commissioned by Americans for Secure Retirement (ASR), a broad-based coalition of more than 70 organizations committed to raising awareness of issues related to retirement security.

"What we're seeing is major concern from voters about being able to maintain a comfortable standard of living throughout retirement," said Celinda Lake, President of Lake Research Partners. "Of particular importance is the fact that retirement issues are resonating strongly with those who will most likely play a role in swinging November's elections – older voters, blue collar voters, and women of all ages and political affiliations.  These influential constituencies are responding to those candidates who are addressing their concerns about retirement security."

For candidates, the survey indicates that addressing concerns about retirement has the potential to be an important factor in how key voting blocs will make their decisions this November.  

The poll findings include:

• 73 percent of voters expressed concern about "being able to maintain a comfortable standard of living throughout retirement," with 49 percent of those individuals indicating they are "very concerned."
• 62 percent of voters believe that "creating more retirement options that help retirees make sure their savings last throughout their lifetime" should be the top or one of the top priorities of Congress.
• 45 percent of voters say a candidate's commitment to addressing their retirement concerns will be a highly important factor in how they will vote, while majorities of the following key voting blocs say it will play an important role in their vote decisions:
  • Voters over 50 (53 percent one of the most or a very important factor)
  • Women over 50 (58 percent)
  • Unmarried women (59 percent)
  • Democratic women (52 percent
  • Republican women (51 percent)
  • Retirees (56 percent)
  • African Americans (57 percent)
  • Blue collar voters (52 percent),  and
  • Blue collar women (56 percent)

"Security in retirement is an issue that transcends party affiliation," said Rob Autry, a partner at Public Opinion Strategies.  "Democrat, Republican and independent voters are worried about retirement, and all believe Congress should place a high priority on creating retirement options that help retirees make their savings last throughout their lifetime.  Particularly in this year's election, where we anticipate many close Congressional races, retirement issues will resonate with those who will likely swing many contests."

"We commissioned this poll to illustrate the widespread anxiety that exists about having the means to live comfortably in retirement," said Shannon Hunt, Executive Director of Americans for Secure Retirement. "The economic downturn, high unemployment and declines in the stock market have placed a growing concern on retirement security. And as we anticipated, not only is this true with a large majority of Americans, but finding solutions that provide guaranteed lifetime income –that is, some stability in retirement – is a politically popular notion that should be acknowledged by policymakers and candidates alike. "

The poll was conducted by Lake Research Partners, in consultation with Public Opinion Strategies, as part of a national omnibus survey of 917 registered voters.  The survey took place from August 26-29, 2010.  More information, including a detailed breakdown of the poll results, are available at www.paycheckforlife.org.

About ASR

Americans for Secure Retirement is a broad-based coalition of more than 70 organizations and affiliates committed to raising awareness of the retirement problem and working with policymakers to find solutions that will help people have greater financial control over their retirement. Our members are a diverse group representing women, minorities, farmers, small business owners and the life insurance industry. You can learn more about ASR at www.paycheckforlife.org.

SOURCE Americans for Secure Retirement