Ohio voters decide against increasing age limit for judges

11/8/2011

COLUMBUS— Voters in Ohio have decided against raising the age limit for judges from 70 to 75.

They upheld a 1973 law that capped judicial age at 70, under the philosophy that age can affect judgment and therefore older judges should be forced to retire.

Defeat potentially affects 10 percent of sitting judges over the next six years. The issue went down despite the endorsement of Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, who appeared in ads supporting a yes vote. She argued people are now living and working longer, and older judges offer valuable experience. Opponents included an association of county prosecutors.

The ballot measure would have amended Ohio's constitution to allow judges to serve longer.