I feel ancient when I think about being born in the 1900s. Then I remind myself that growing old is a privilege not all people are given. I also remind myself that older does not automatically mean wiser. Although experience is important, no one can deny that aging takes a toll on both mind and body. For this reason, I prefer that the individuals involved in decisions that affect my and my grandchildren’s futures be in the prime of their youth and trained in the most updated knowledge of their specialties. For me, this includes all elected government officials at the federal, state or local level including Special Districts which can be operated by local governments. These provide a particular public service such as drinking water or schools, often with an elected Board. These vary and are defined by state laws. Elected officials of various groups are having to address the consequences caused by a warming Earth. Their decisions will affect the future of the planet and all its species. It just makes sense that younger people, the ones more likely to still be alive in the not too distant future, become more involved in determining what actions should be taken to address this existential world crisis.

By the time the current 119th Congress adjourns in January 2027, if every member stays in office, 140 of the total 541 members will be aged 70 years or older. This group includes the oldest “freshman” Senator ever sworn in, West Virginia’s 73-year-old Jim Justice. Among the several octogenarians, it includes Vermont’s 84-year-old Senator Bernie Sanders. The oldest member of Congress, 91-year-old Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, was first elected in 1980. And, on average, our country’s state governors are even older than the current Congress. John F. Kennedy, who had already served 8 years in the Senate, was the youngest elected president at age 43. Theodore Roosevelt was actually the youngest president to serve when, at 42, he became president following William McKinley’s assassination. As someone enjoying retirement, I don’t understand why anyone, especially those who have adequate personal funds, would choose to work past a sensible retirement age. Perhaps love of power or money?

Across all the 50 states, in order to run for a political office, individuals must be registered voters as well as meet certain criteria including residency and minimum age requirements. For some positions this can be as young as 18 years old. No state has a maximum age. An unusual qualification for candidates in West Virginia is that they must have never competed in a duel. Dueling became obsolete after the Civil War, but a few states, including Kentucky, have not repealed dueling laws. Any form of a traditional duel remains a serious crime everywhere in the U.S. Interestingly, in all states but Wisconsin, convicted felons are not prevented from holding the office of governor. Eligible persons, who seek to hold political party positions need to declare their candidacy by filing a “certificate of announcement” by a specified date and time. This required paperwork needs to be filed with a certain government office, such as the Secretary of State or County Clerk. Which government office to file in depends on if the position is to be filled by voters of a single municipality, a single county or more than one county.

Regardless of a candidate’s age or whether it is a federal, state or local position, running for any political office can be daunting, confusing and difficult. And, funds for campaign expenses need to be raised. The major political parties are interested in, willing and able to help potential candidates. Some positions may be part-time and can be held by persons that have additional employment while others require full-time hours. The salaries and per diem for political positions vary widely across our region. Hopefully, politics will never again be corrupted by racism or sexism but ageism makes sense. All levels of government need to transition to a new generation of leadership. Whether federal, state or local, more young people need to be politically involved in decisions being made about the future of our warming planet. The Post War and Boomer generations need to step aside because it’s past time for them to pass the torch of public service to the Millennials and Gen Zs.