Are Age Limits For Politicians a Good Idea?

A series of troubling incidents involving aging politicians reignited debate on the potential impact of imposing an age limit on elected officials. 

Age Limits, Competency Tests: A writer in New York Post Opinion (Right bias) noted how aging politicians are not a new issue, but that in the modern climate of  “social media, cable news and ubiquitous cameras, there is no curtain to wedge between the public and a faltering public servant.” The writer noted a proposal by 2024 candidate Nikki Haley that politicians over 75 should take mental competency tests, stating, “maybe every candidate should take one, no matter their age.”

“Dangerous Path”: An opinion piece in RealClearPolitics (Center bias) noted bipartisan support for age limits in government, but argued against age limits and competency tests, stating they would “take power away from voters.” Additionally, an age limit would “eliminate potentially highly qualified candidates who have the experience to lead effectively” and “inevitably lead us down a dangerous path that will politicize a host of poll-tested issues designed to score political points.”

Age Limits, Term Limits: An opinion piece in Al Jazeera (Left bias) noted that term limits, rather than age limits, can not only address the issues that come from an aging political class, it would also better reflect the needs and desires of voters.