U-Talk: Should there be an age limit on running for elected office?
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- Shelley Berendson
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- Ashlynn Poduska
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- Gail Smith
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- Dean Smith
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- Marcone Vieira
Tiana Lao, Special to the Daily Herald
Shelley Berendson
“No, I think that people can decide, if they vote with their votes, if they think somebody’s too old. That’s because I’m older. … You kind of slow down as you get older, but I think that it should be decided on individual basis, and, not by, you know, just a blanket statement across the board. Because, if you put an age limit — a 90 year old that’s really smart and really bright and able to function at a very high level, and you might have a 50 year old that’s not so much. So, you know, you’re judging it on something that is not equal across the board.” — Shelley Berendson, Lehi
“Yeah, I think definitely. … Even if we are talking, like, biological-wise, your mind just really starts going downhill after, like, late 60s. It’s just a matter of trusting, legit, elderly people with, you know, young people politics. … I think, if you’re not going to be around to experience the world that you’re trying to make, then I think it’s a little silly. … I think 65 is the top, I would say.” — Ashlynn Poduska, Provo
“No. If the people think they’re too old, or too young, then just don’t vote for them. Like, I don’t think there should be a law prohibiting people from running. I think everyone should be able to run. I think more choice is better. Like, if you don’t cap it, then there’s just more people to choose from, I guess. More people can run. And, if you think they’re too old, then just vote for somebody younger – or older if you want.” — Gail Smith, Orem
“I don’t think there should be an age limit, but I think they should have to pass some kind of a competency test. Should be able to form a sentence, you know? I guess, 80 should be the cut off, as long as they can pass the competency test. I haven’t really given it much thought. But, I guess we should. … I mean, yeah, we’ve got, you know, Donald Trump is not the nicest guy in the world. He’s what? 78? I think he’s fairly competent, but he’s not very nice. Joe Biden’s what? 82? And, he’s a nice guy, but he’s not very competent. So I would say, yeah, 80 years old should be the cutoff.” — Dean Smith, Springville
“Well, that’s a complex question, because if a guy was able to do his work … if you are able, not too old, for keep doing his work, it’s OK — 75 — stuff like that. … I think that it’s a good idea to put a limit. Of course, 85, or stuff like this, is out of the world. But, 75 is a good age for people. Keep doing his work and try to help new generation.” — Marcone Vieira, Provo
Tiana Lao, Special to the Daily Herald
Ashlynn Poduska
Photos and interviews by Tiana Lao, Special to the Daily Herald.
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Gail Smith
