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Overview of the 2026 Berlin State Election
The Berlin state election is scheduled for September 20, 2026, where more than 2.5 million eligible voters will elect members to the 20th Abgeordnetenhaus (House of Representatives). This election promises competitive results, with polls showing major parties such as the CDU and Die Linke vying closely for leadership. The outgoing Governing Mayor Kai Wegner will not be seeking re-election, guaranteeing a change in city leadership. For the first time, all Berlin residents aged 16 and above will have the right to vote, expanding participation significantly [Source 1][Source 3].
Who Can Vote and How
Eligibility for voting in the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus election requires voters to be German nationals or, in the case of Bezirksverordnetenversammlungen (district assemblies), European Union citizens aged 16 or older who have maintained their main residence in Berlin continuously for at least three months prior to the election day, meaning residency must have started by June 20, 2026. Voters must be registered in the voters’ roll but can participate even without a prior notification letter. Voters must present an official photo ID such as a passport or identity card, which can even be expired under exceptional circumstances. Proxy voting is allowed with a written authorization, which must be original or officially certified and will be retained by the polling station. A proxy may represent no more than four people [Source 2][Source 4][Source 6].
Changes to the Voting Procedure
Significant procedural changes have been introduced for the 2026 election. Notably, there is only one ballot paper combining the Erststimme (first vote) and Zweitstimme (second vote), aligning with the format used in the federal Bundestag elections, making the process more straightforward for voters. The Erststimme allows election of a direct candidate in a specific electoral district by relative majority, while the Zweitstimme is used to select party lists at the district or state level, which determine the proportional representation of parties in the parliament. Approximately 10% more polling stations will be available compared to 2023 to facilitate voter access, and election officials will receive enhanced training to manage complex situations better [Source 3][Source 5].
Impact on Expats and Practical Considerations
For expats living in Berlin, particularly those holding EU citizenship, the lowering of the minimum voting age to 16 in the district assembly elections and the allowance to vote in these elections is a key development that enables wider political participation. However, only German nationals are eligible to vote for the Abgeordnetenhaus. Expats must ensure they have held main residency in Berlin for at least three continuous months before the election and must verify their registration in the electoral roll. Those unable to attend polling stations on election day have the option of applying for postal voting, which must be requested beforehand through online, written, or in-person applications at the relevant election office. OPtimizing this process is important for busy foreign workers and students [Source 4].
With multiple parties competing (17 are on the ballot), the election outcome could lead to significant shifts in policy affecting housing and urban management — key concerns for expats as housing affordability and city cleanliness have featured prominently in campaign debates. Expats should stay informed about candidates and party platforms, considering the possible effects on rent regulations and public services [Source 1][Source 7].
More detailed FAQs and voter information can be accessed through Berlin’s official election portal, providing guidance on polling locations and voting procedures [Source 2][Primary Source].
