Do you have German citizenship? If you have a German passport, then as a German citizen you can also take part in other elections, such as the elections for the Bundestag [Bundestagwahl] and the Berlin House of Representatives [Abgeordnetenhaus]. On 20 September 2026, the same day as the BVV elections, the election to Berlin’s state […]
And between elections? An election alone does not make a democracy. A democracy only thrives when citizens also take part in political life between elections. There are countless ways for people to participate: Everyone can join a political party of their choosing Young people can take part in school and student representative bodies Parents can serve […]
Why does my opinion matter for Berlin? In elections, politicians are held accountable: if voters are not satisfied with the government, they can vote it out of office. This also applies to parties in the opposition. Elections also give new parties a chance, if they can gain enough support. New parties often bring new issues […]
What does the BVV do? The district assembly [Bezirksverordnetenversammlung] (BVV) represents the citizens of the district. It deliberates and decides on many issues that concern the district. The BVV decides on proposals and recommendations, which are implemented by the district office [Bezirksamt]. It also decides on the district budget [Haushalt des Bezirks], that is, how […]
How do the elected representatives work? In every parliament, district councillors [Bezirksverordnete] divide the work amongst themselves, as it is not possible for one councillor to take care of everything. This is why each BVV has political groups and committees. Political groups [Fraktionen] A political group [Fraktion] primarily consists of district councillors from the same […]
Who is elected to the BVV? A total of 55 district councillors [Bezirksverordnete] will be elected. These are members of parties and voters’ associations [Wählergemeinschaften]. They provide lists of candidates. In the BVV election you vote for a list rather than individuals. That means: You vote for a party or voter’s association [Wählergemeinschaft]. Seats in […]
You are not in Berlin on election day? You are busy on election day or can’t go to the polling station? No problem: You have two options: First: Apply for a postal vote [Briefwahl] Apply for your postal vote documents [Briefwahlunterlagen] in good time. To do this, simply scan the QR code on the back […]
When, where and how is the BVV elected? The election will be held from 8 am to 6 pm on 20 September 2026, in each of Berlin’s 12 districts. A polling notification [Wahlbenachrichtigung] will be sent by post to your officially registered address in Berlin. It will be sent from mid-August and should arrive by […]
Who can vote in the BVV elections? You have the right to vote for the BVV in your district if you: are a citizen of a member state of the European Union are at least 16 years old on election day (20 September 2026) have been registered as a resident in Berlin for at least […]
What is the purpose of the vote? Each of Berlin’s twelve districts has a district assembly, known as the Bezirksverordnetenversammlung (BVV). The BVV shares responsibility for the administration of districts. Many of the issues discussed by the BVV directly affect everyday life in your neighbourhood. Most BVV meetings are open to the public. Some districts […]