S3 E5: Let's Pick a Mayor (and City Council, and Advocate, and...), NYC!

Published: June 14, 2021, 12:55 p.m.

Resource links below. We always recommend doing your own research!

Find your poll site and voting hours (early voting began already and the last day to vote in person is Tues. June 22nd). P.S. Registered voters do not need to show ID to vote, unless they did not provide identification with their registration.

What does the Mayor actually do tl;dr: manages relationships with state and federal lawmakers; proposes, enacts, and vetoes local laws; oversees major zoning, land use and housing policy decisions; makes judicial appointments; and more.

What can the Public Advocate do? tl;dr: next in line if the Mayor becomes unable to fulfill duties; serves as the people's watchdog and advocate; introduces legislation in City Council; and more. 

What can the Comptroller do? tl;dr: provides financial oversight by auditing city agencies; reviews the city budget each year and makes recommendations based on the city’s finances; reviews and registers city contracts; and more.

Not sure what City Council district you live in? Find out here!

What do City Council members do and why should you care? tl;dr: pass legislation; negotiate the city budget; agency oversight; land use decisions; and more. P.S. this list may look short but each item has major impact on New Yorkers daily lives.

What is a District Attorney and what do they do? tl;dr: the Manhattan DA is the top prosecutor in New York County; responsible for holding those who violate state and local laws accountable; shapes criminal justice policy, including reforms and strategy.

What does a Borough President actually do? tl;dr: advise the Mayor of New York City; comment on land-use items in their borough; advocate borough needs in the annual municipal budget process; appoint some officials and community board members; and more.

Not registered to vote? It's past the deadline for this primary, but it's never too late to become a voter -- register here!

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