UMass poll shows support for a presidential age limit

While the specific preferred cutoff age varied, the majority of respondents agreed: The president of the United States should not be older than 70.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are the oldest and second-oldest presidents in the history of the U.S., respectively. AP, File

A new University of Massachusetts Amherst poll shows widespread support for a maximum age limit for presidential candidates.

While the specific preferred cutoff age varied, the majority of respondents — 59%, to be exact — across all demographics, political ideologies, and importantly, ages agreed: The president of the United States should not be older than 70.

“If someone is looking for a candidate that embodies change, there is the feeling they can find that in a younger candidate,” Ray La Raja, a professor of political science at UMass and co-director of the poll, told Boston.com. “People are living longer, staying in their careers longer, and that includes politicians.”

The results of the poll indicate that many Americans, apparently discontented with the past two septuagenarian presidents, are ready to formally prevent elderly candidates from seeking the commander-in-chief position with a constitutional amendment — of the 1,000 people polled, 32% strongly supported such an amendment, 27% somewhat supported it, 24% were indifferent, 9% somewhat opposed it, and 8% strongly opposed it. The average age that respondents felt should be the limit was about 67.

“The enthusiasm … for a maximum age limit … reflects two major factors,” Jesse Rhodes, also a professor of political science at UMass and co-director of the poll, said in a press release. “First, many Americans have likely been underwhelmed by the performance in office of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, both septuagenarians. And second, many Americans, particularly younger Americans, likely perceive the tenure in office of older Americans as emblematic of a politics dominated by generations that are less attentive to the concerns that matter to them most.”

Results of the poll show agreement across party lines as well, with a majority of both Democrats and Republicans preferring age restrictions. And while passing a constitutional amendment is intentionally arduous, the two parties could implement rules that restrict the candidates they nominate.

Voters also have general concerns about mental decline for a position as demanding as president.

“Older [politicians] have picked up more IOUs, they have more political donors … more political capital,” La Raja said. “They have a head start.”

The 80-year-old Biden and 76-year-old Trump are the oldest and second oldest presidents in the history of the U.S., respectively, and both are more than 20 years older than the median age of 55 for an incoming president.

While only Trump has announced his 2024 candidacy (Biden is reportedly likely announcing his after the State of the Union Address), if either were to win, they would be taking the office far past many voters’ desired age for the president. Biden would enter the office at 82, and would be 86 by the end of his term. Trump would be 78, ending his four-year term at 81.

So, let us know what you think. Should there be an age limit for the president? If so, what age? Fill out the survey below or email us at [email protected].