A measure to restrict congressional candidates running for office in North Dakota based on age is unfair.
North Dakota’s Measure 1, the Congressional Age Limit Initiative, prohibits any individual from running for Congress who “would become 81 years old by December 31 of the year preceding the end of their term.” It’s a move that comes in the year of a presidential election that features a septuagenarian and an octogenarian, former
Many have criticized both candidates for being too old for office. This is particularly true for Biden, who regularly shows signs of cognitive decline. Nevertheless, having a law, measure, initiative, or amendment that denies someone the opportunity to run for office because of his or her age is arguably unconstitutional. But, more importantly, it is also unfair and un-American. This is America, the land of opportunity, not the land of opportunity for people younger than 80.
Admittedly, there are some valid concerns about older people elected to office. However, this is not universally applicable. Some octogenarians might be on Biden’s level and seemingly struggle with day-to-day tasks. Yet, others might be sharper than some people in their 20s. After all, Benjamin Franklin was 81 in 1787 when he helped shape the Constitution andfor the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787. This is a testament to the potential for exceptional capabilities in older candidates.
If an octogenarian wants to run for Congress, he should have every right to do so. Our constitutional republican principles dictate that the decision should be in the hands of the voters. If voters are concerned about whether a person of such an age can adequately perform the duties necessary for the office, then they have every right not to vote for them. That, and only that, should be what determines whether an 81-year-old gets to serve in Congress.
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