The Abgeordnetenhaus is the parliament of the state of Berlin. Berlin is both a city and a federal state. Only people with German citizenship may participate in elections to the Abgeordnetenhaus.

The Berlin Senate is the government of the state of Berlin. The Senate implements laws and manages the city’s administration.

A district is a larger administrative area within Berlin, for example Mitte or Neukölln. Berlin has 12 districts.

The district office manages the administration of a district. It is headed by the district mayor.

District councillors are the elected members of the district assembly (BVV). They decide on important issues in the district, such as schools, culture, green spaces or local transport.

The district assembly, or BVV for short, is the political representative body of a district. The elected district councillors discuss and decide on matters concerning the district.

Postal voting means that instead of voting at a polling station, you receive the voting materials by post and send your vote back by post.

In the BVV election, the representative body of your own district is elected. EU citizens living in Berlin who are older than 16 years may take part in this election.

The passive voting right means that a person may stand as a candidate in an election and be elected. Such a person is eligible for election.

The ballot paper is a sheet of paper listing all parties or candidates in an election. You mark your cross there to cast your vote.

The election notification is a letter with important information about the election. It states, for example, when and where you can vote.

A person is entitled to vote if they are allowed to participate in an election. In BVV elections, EU citizens may also vote if they meet the requirements. German citizens may also participate in the Abgeordnetenhaus election.

The polling station is the place where you cast your vote on election day.

The electoral period is the time between two elections. During this time, the elected representatives work in their office.

A voting certificate is an official document needed, for example, for postal voting or if you wish to vote at a different polling station. It confirms that you are entitled to vote.

The electoral register lists the people who are allowed to vote. Only those who are registered can participate in the election.

The place of residence is the place where you are officially registered. For the BVV election, it is important which Berlin district you live in.