The Berlin House of Representatives is the parliament of the state of Berlin. Berlin is both a city and a state. Only people with German citizenship may take part in elections to the House of Representatives.

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

A district is an administrative area within Berlin, such as Mitte or Neukölln. Berlin has 12 districts.

The district office oversees the administration of a district. It is led by the district mayor.

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

The district assembly, or BVV for short, is the elected representative body for the district. Here, district councillors discuss and decide on issues relating to the district.

Postal voting means that instead of voting at a polling station, you receive and return your voting documents by post.

Citizen deputies are experts from civil society. They can advise district councillors, as well as take part and vote in district assembly committees.

In a district assembly election, you vote on who will represent your district. EU citizens who live in Berlin and are over 16 can vote in this election.

Passive voting rights means that a person can stand as a candidate in an election and be elected. They are eligible for election.

The ballot paper is a sheet of paper that lists all parties or candidates in an election. Mark your choice with a cross to vote.

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

A person is eligible to vote if they are allowed to take part in an election. EU citizens can vote in district assembly (BVV) elections if they meet the requirements. German citizens can also vote in elections for the House of Representatives.

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

The electoral term is the period of time between elections. During this time, elected representatives serve in office.

A polling card is an official document. It is needed for postal voting or to vote in a different polling station. It confirms that you are eligible to vote.

The electoral register contains the names of people who are allowed to vote. Only those whose names are included in the register may vote.

Your place of residence is the address at which you are officially registered. For the district assembly election (BVV), your district is important.