An election does not make a democracy. A democracy only functions when citizens participate in decision-making processes between the elections. There are countless ways to participate:   

• By joining a political party  
• Student representation in schools or at universities  
• Parent representation and councils  
• Trade unions,  works councils and labour councils  
• Senior citizen advisory boards and representative associations  
• Citizen representatives at borough level regarding neighbourhood issues   
• Highlighting specific topics as part of citizens’ initiatives or other interest groups  
• Direct participation, petitions, popular votes and local decision-making.  

Everybody can have an impact on the political landscape and help to shape their community, borough and Berlin as a whole.  

Politics is not just for politicians: cast your vote.