New York City’s special election for Public Advocate is on Tuesday, February 26. This election is an open, non-partisan ballot. All registered voters are eligible to cast a vote.

The Public Advocate is one of New York City’s three citywide elected posts, along with the mayor and the comptroller. 

The Public Advocate acts a watchdog. The office has the power to collect complaints, investigate agencies and propose legislation to the City Council. The Public Advocate can preside at general meetings of the City Council and sit on various boards. 

The Public Advocate becomes interim mayor if that office is vacant. The Public Advocate has also served as a “stepping stone” to higher posts. One-time Public Advocate Bill de Blasio was elected mayor in 2013 and his successor, Letitia James, won the office of NY State Attorney General last year.

The office has an annual budget of $3.6 million and a staff of 45 people. 

Get to know your candidates with Race to Represent by watching candidate statements and candidate 1:1's.

Tune in 9 pm every night starting Wednesday, Feb 20th, on MNN1 (Spectrum 34 & 1995, RCN 82, FiOS 33) and MNNHD (Spectrum 1993). On 9:30 pm, Saturday, Feb. 23rd, tune in to a special roundtable discussion with Public Advocate candidates. 

Find your polling location.

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