Mental competency tests for politicians over 75 see overwhelming support: poll

A new poll found that most Americans support a mandatory mental competency test for politicians older than 75. 

The Economist/YouGov Poll, released this week, found that 76 percent of Americans strongly or somewhat support some form of a mandated competency test for politicians, compared to 13 percent who oppose any form of a test; 11 percent say they are unsure. The responses didn’t differ significantly along either party line, with 84 percent of Republicans and 70 percent of Democrats saying they are in favor of a mental competency test.  

Looking toward the 2024 election, the poll found more Americans have concern about President Biden’s health and age than they do of former President Trump’s. Regarding the 80-year-old Biden, 57 percent of Americans said his health and age will affect his abilities to serve a second term, while only 30 percent said the same of Trump, 77. 

The poll also found that most Democrats and Republicans believe Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) health and age has severely limited the 81-year-old’s abilities to serve in the Senate, and that the same is true of California Senator Dianne Feinstein (D), who is 90. Responses regarding both senators were averaging between 56 percent and 59 percent. 

The poll was conducted Sept. 2-5 from The Economist/YouGov, with 1,329 registered voters and a margin of error of 3.3 percent.