If you (also) have a German passport, as a German citizen you can also participate in other elections, for example the Bundestag elections and the elections to the Berlin state parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus). On the same day as the BVV elections, on 20.09.2026, the elections for the Berlin state parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus) will also take place. If […]
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 […]
In elections, politicians are called to account: when voters are not (or no longer) satisfied with the government, it is likely that it will not be elected again. The same holds true for parties that currently form part of the opposition. In elections, new parties also have the chance to make a difference if they […]
What does the BVV do? The Bezirksverordnetenversammlung (BVV) is the political representation of citizens in the district (Bezirk). It discusses and decides on many matters concerning the district. The BVV passes motions and recommendations that are implemented by the district office (Bezirksamt). It also decides on the district budget, i.e. what the money in the […]
In every parliament, the elected representatives divide up their work, since not every representative can take care of everything at the same time. It is also why each BVV (Bezirksverordnetenversammlung) has factions and working groups. Factions A faction primarily consists of representatives (Bezirksverordnete) of the same party. Here they discuss current issues and possible solutions […]
Who is elected to the BVV? A total of 55 parliamentarians (Bezirksverordnete) will be elected. These are members of parties and voters’ associations (Wählergemeinschaften). Individual candidates cannot stand for election at the BVV. The parties and voters’ associations have to compile a list specifying all of their candidates. The seats in the BVV are divided […]
Not in Berlin on election day? Can’t make it to the polling station on election day or don’t have time? No problem: you have two options: Option 1: Apply for postal vote Apply for your postal voting documents in time. You can easily use the QR code on the back of your election notification. You […]
The election will be held in all twelve Berlin districts on 20 September 2026 from 8am to 6pm. You will receive an election notification card (Wahlbenachrichtigung) by post at your Berlin registered address. It will be sent from mid-August and should be delivered to you by 30 August 2026 at the latest. The address of […]
Who is eligible to vote in the BVV elections? You have the right to vote in your district’s BVV (Bezirksverordnetenversammlung) election if: you have the citizenship of a member state of the European Union, you are at least 16 years of age on election day (20 September 2026), you have been registered in Berlin for […]
What is the purpose of this vote? Each of Berlin’s 12 districts (Bezirke) has a district assembly, or BVV (Bezirksverordnetenversammlung). The BVV is jointly responsible for the autonomous administration and governing of the districts. Many of the issues discussed in the BVV directly affect everyday life and the quality of life of Berliners in your […]