New Hampshire to vote on raising judicial retirement age

When you go to the polls on Nov. 5 to vote for president, governor, and local candidates, there will be an additional decision on the ballot.

Voters will be asked whether New Hampshire should increase the retirement age for judges from 70 to 75. To pass, this measure will require a two-thirds majority. 

The age limit dates back to the 1700s, when the average life expectancy was about 38 years old. Now, the expectancy in New Hampshire is about 78.5 years, according to the CDC. New Hampshire’s Legislature is also one of the oldest, with the average about 59.6, according to the Center for Youth Political Participation. 

Opponents argue that maintaining the current age limits is essential for introducing fresh perspectives to judicial positions.

The ballot item reads, “No person shall hold the office of sheriff of any county, after the person has attained the age of seventy years. No person shall hold the office of judge of any court after the person has attained the age of seventy-five years.”

A “yes” vote supports increasing the mandatory judicial retirement age from 70 to 75.