Judge tosses Atlantic City councilman for not meeting residency requirement

[RandySF]

A Superior Court Judge today ordered Atlantic City Councilman Muhammed “Anjum” Zia to be immediately removed from his 5th ward seat after finding that he did not meet the residency requirement at the time of his election last year.

Michael Blee, the assignment judge, found that the home Zia claimed he was living had no certificate of occupancy, permanent or temporary, and that his wife and two children were living in Egg Harbor Township.

The challenge was filed by Maria Lacca, a Republican who lost to Zia by 46 votes in the 2023 general election.

Blee determined that Lacca’s attorney, Matthew Moensch, proved by a preponderance of evidence that Zia “was not domiciled” in Atlantic City twelve months before the November 2023 election – or after. He revoked Zia’s certificate of election.


https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/judge-tosses-atlantic-city-councilman-for-not-meeting-residency-requirement/

[jimfields33]

1. I don't really like residency requirements only

because the lines change every decade or so. But if he didn’t meet the current requirements then he should rerun when he buys a home in the voting area or run where he lives currently.