They are tired of the elderly running the country.
North Dakota voters made a significant decision on Tuesday by approving a constitutional amendment that introduces age restrictions for congressional candidates. According to the new measure, individuals would be barred from seeking a seat in the House or Senate in North Dakota if they would reach the age of 81 by December 31st of the year preceding the term’s conclusion.
With a majority of 61% in favor, the amendment gained approval from voters, while 39% opposed it. This groundbreaking measure is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, establishing age limits for candidates running for federal office. However, its legality is anticipated to face challenges in the courts.
Notably, the amendment does not impact any current federal officeholders from North Dakota. Its emergence aligns with growing concerns among voters regarding the ages of prominent political figures, including President Joe Biden, aged 81, and former President Donald Trump, who is turning 78 this week, as they seek re-election.
The discussion around age in politics extends beyond the presidency. Presently, there are three senators over the age of 80, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Moreover, there are at least ten members of Congress aged over 80, such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Whip Steny Hoyer.
Republican Senator Kevin Cramer, who secured an unopposed primary victory in North Dakota on Tuesday as he seeks his second full Senate term, voiced his opposition to the measure. Cramer expressed his belief that voters should have the liberty to elect candidates of their choice, irrespective of age. “To limit those decisions arbitrarily just doesn’t make sense to me,” he remarked to the Associated Press.
