Sex Offender Can Run for Congress

A convicted sex offender will remain on the ballot in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.

The state Attorney General's Office says under the U.S. Constitution, Green Party candidate Daryl Brooks does not have to be a registered voter.

Federal law says candidates for the House of Representatives need to be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for seven years and live in the state from which they are elected.

However, state law does require a candidate to be a registered voter.

It's unlikely Brooks would be able to vote for himself since people convicted of felony offenses loose their right to vote.

Brooks was released from prison in 2002 after serving nearly four years for exposing himself to several girls in 1995.

The 12th Congressional District is in central New Jersey. Incumbent Democrat Rush Holt is being challenged by GOP candidate Bill Spadea. Copyright 2004 by NBC10.co

Author: NBC10/AP