Don't discount young candidates

Scott Sinclair has made an argument that, because of brain development, 25 is a reasonable age to begin a political career. The constitution agrees in part, giving minimum age requirements for certain federal offices.

I agree that 17 is too young to run for office as the candidate couldn't vote in their own election. Governments have granted voting rights to 18-year-olds with the implied understanding that the voter is mature enough to understand the issues and vote accordingly. With that understanding, there is no reason to restrict those of voting age from running for local office.

In 1776, two signers of the Declaration of Independence (Hamilton and Salem) as well as major figures in the Revolutionary War (Lafayette, Burr, Monroe and Hale) were age 21 or younger. Where would we be if the founders had imposed an age restriction?

Lynne Donald

Arlington Heights