Rick Perry forgets the U.S. voting age, election date

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) wants to be president, but he just can't remember when the election is or how old you have to be to vote.

At a campaign stop at St. Anselm College Institute of Politics Tuesday, Perry didn't seem to know that Americans become eligible to vote at the age of 18, and that the 2012 presidential election will be held on Nov. 6, 2012.

"Those who are going to be over 21 on November 12th, I ask for your support," the candidate told students. "Those of you that won't be, just work hard. Because you're... counting on us."

Following the event, Perry spokesman Mark Miner dismissed the error, saying "the governor misspoke."

But some are sure to see the slip as part of a pattern.

At a Republican presidential debate in early November, the Texas governor could not recall which three agencies of government he wanted to eliminate.

"The third agency of government -- I would do away with Education, the, um, Commerce and let's see...," Perry said, glancing down at the podium. "I can't. The third one, I can't. Sorry. Oops."

Watch this video from The Associated Press, broadcast Nov. 29, 2011.