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 labor councils
• senior citizen advisory boards and representative associations
• citizen representatives at district (Bezirk) level regarding neighborhood 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, district and Berlin as a whole.

Politics is not just for politicians: cast your vote!