New York City elects a public advocate tomorrow
Chicago isn’t the only big city holding elections tomorrow. There’s also a special election in New York City for public advocate.
The office of public advocate was first established in 1994 and acts as a watchdog and ombudsman for the public. He or she may sit in meetings of the city council and introduce legislation but may not vote on any measure. What you may not know is that the public advocate is first in the mayoral line of succession in the city.
There have been four elected public advocates since the position was established and two have advanced to higher office following their tenure. Letitia James (D) was elected public advocate in 2013 and again in 2017. Last November, she won election statewide, to the office of state attorney general. And current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) was public advocate for four years before being elected to the city’s top office in 2013.
Seventeen candidates are on the ballot tomorrow. The top vote-getter will win the special election outright, unlike regular citywide elections where a runoff is called if no candidate receives more than 40 percent of the vote.
Tuesday’s winner will only serve in the post for most of 2019. A second election will be held in September for the remainder of James’ four-year term that ends on December 31, 2021.
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