The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association announced its opposition to State Issue 1, a constitutional amendment to increase the maximum age at which judges can be elected or appointed to office from 70 to 75.

The group said the proposed changes would increase the maximum possible age of a judge to 82 years old, and "possibly older, depending on the date of the end of the term."

"Voters need to know that the age limit proposal is not as simple as a five-year increase," OPAA Executive Director John Murphy said in a release announcing his group's position. "The provision would allow for judges serving into their eighties."

"While some senior judges are valued and effective, it is not the case with all. The potential for limits to an elderly judge's schedule and capacity is not good for an active courtroom," he added.

"Proponents argue that as life expectancy grows, the age limits for judges should increase. It is true that medical advancements have boosted physical health and longer life, however, mental acuity has not necessarily kept pace. Ohio's system of justice needs top performance from all participants and especially in the judiciary."