Fargo, North Dakota – Heading into next week’s June 11th election, an overwhelming 78% of voters have indicated support for an age limit for North Dakota’s members of Congress. If passed, the measure makes candidates over the age 80 ineligible to run if they would reach that age during their term.
“The median age of retirement in the United States is 64,” said Jared Hendrix, Chair of the Retire Congres North Dakota ballot measure campaign. “We’re saying that we don’t want career politicians to serve for eternity. Everybody else retires, so should members of Congress. We’re asking voters to Vote YES on Measure 1.”
The poll results also indicate 47% of unlikely North Dakotan voters became much more likely to vote knowing that the measure is on the ballot. Further, it indicates most voters support age limits even if it removes a candidate they strongly support. Hendrix continued: “This just tells us most voters think this is common sense.”
“Airline pilots are forced to retire. Military personnel retire. Most corporations require retirement at a certain age,” said Hendrix. “Members of Congress vote on billions of dollars in spending and decisions that could end us up in war and conflict overseas. They should be in a strong mental and physical state if they are acting on issues this important.”
“For decades, politicians in Washington have set policies, the consequences of which many of them will never have to deal with in any significant way. The median age in the United States is about 39, but the median age in Congress is about 61. We are all better served when the House and Senate chamber are composed of people who understand the challenges facing growing families.”
The survey of 532 registered voters in North Dakota was conducted online by RMG Research, owned and operated by Scott Rasmussen. For full poll results click here: Executive Summary. For more information on Measure 1, voters are encouraged to visit www.retirecongressnorthdakota.com