The special election for the city's next public advocate is quickly approaching, and Co-op City voters got the chance to have a closer look at the candidates on Sunday.

Residents packed into a community center on Sunday to learn more abut the names on the ballot. There are 17, although one candidate, Latrice Walker, has halted her campaign.

The public advocate serves as a "watchdog of the people" and is tasked with making sure city agencies lawfully and effectively serve the interest of the people.

Although some have advocated for the office to be abolished, others believe it is an important job to investigate and call out agencies that have fallen short.

During Sunday's forum, candidates were questioned on topics such as transportation, the plastic bag ban, NYCHA, cash bail and the ill-fated Amazon deal.

The special election is coming up on Feb. 26. The winner will succeed Letitia James, who was elected state attorney general back in November.

Whoever wins the public advocate election will have to run again for the office when the primary rolls around this coming November.