North Dakota’s measure to restrict the age of political candidates is unfair and un-American

North Dakotans have voted in favor of a measure to limit the age of congressional candidates.

North Dakota’s Measure 1, the Congressional Age Limit Initiative, prohibits anyone from running for Congress who “would be 81 years old as of December 31 of the year before their term ends.” It’s a move that comes in the year of a presidential election that features a septuagenarian and an octogenarian, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, respectively.

Many criticized both candidates, calling them too old to hold office. This is especially true for Biden, who regularly shows signs of cognitive decline. However, a law, measure, initiative or amendment that deprives a person of the opportunity to run for office because of their 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 those under 80.

Certainly, there are legitimate concerns about older people being elected to office. However, this is not universally applicable. Some octogenarians might be at Biden’s level and seemingly struggling to complete daily tasks. Still, others might be smarter than some people in their 20s. After all, Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old in 1787 when he helped shape the Constitution and wrote the closing speech to the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787. This speaks to the potential for exceptional abilities of older candidates.

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A law, measure, initiative or amendment banning people over 80 from running for Congress is not what this country is all about. This goes against the American spirit. Although not law, the Declaration of Independence is considered one of the most important documents in world history. He defended the search for happiness as an inalienable right. These rights do not end simply because of the year a person was born.

If an octogenarian wants to run for Congress, he should have every right to do so. Our Republican constitutional principles require that the decision 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 to perform their duties, then they have every right not to vote for them. This, and only this, should determine whether an 81-year-old can serve in Congress.