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Representatives, senators in Congress don't have to live in their district
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Democratic candidate for 6th congressional district Jon Ossoff, left, concedes to Republican Karen Handel while joined by his fiancee Alisha Kramer at his election night party in Atlanta, Tuesday, June 20, 2017.

If you’ve been wondering about something in your community, Ask The Times is your place to get answers. The following question was submitted by a reader and answered through the efforts of our news staff.


During the Jon Ossoff/Karen Handel campaign, much was made that Ossoff did not live in the 6th District. Does the law state that you must live in the district you represent?

The residency qualification only says representatives and senators must live in the state they represent.

The qualifications for the U.S. House of Representatives outlined in the Constitution are:

• At least 25 years old

• A U.S. citizen for at least seven years

• A resident of the state you represent

The qualifications for the U.S. Senate outlined in the Constitution are:

• At least 30 years old

• A U.S. citizen for at least nine years

• A resident of the state you represent

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