In just over two weeks, polls will open for early voting across New York City — but whether you're casting your vote before or on Election Day, every voter citywide needs to flip over the ballot to weigh in on five questions that would change the City Charter.

One of those questions would institute ranked choice voting, or instant run-off voting, for all primary and special elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council after January 2021. The process would allow voters to rank up to five candidates instead of just voting for a single person, and it could change campaigning by requiring candidates to engage with a broader range of voters.

"You gotta got to all the districts, you gotta talk to everybody, and you gotta have a conversation," Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer explained. "'If you don’t like me one, vote for me as number two.' And that’s how you have a conversation."

Another question would address the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the agency tasked with overseeing the NYPD. The proposal would expand the size of the board, set a minimum budget, and grant it the power to issue subpoenas and seek witness testimony. 

WNYC's Brigid Bergin spoke with Richard Hake about the upcoming election and ballot questions.