Over 2.5 million Berliners eligible to vote in the 2026 House of Representatives election

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  The next Berlin House of Representatives election will take place on 20 September 2026. (Archive image)

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  Chief Electoral Officer Stephan Bröchler has long been working on preparations for the 2026 House of Representatives election. (Archive image)

Berlin's state election commissioner Stephan Bröchler sees a number of challenges and risks for the House of Representatives election in September 2026. 

Higher number of eligible voters

The state election commission expects around 2.5 million eligible voters to cast their ballots in the House of Representatives election on 20 September. In the repeat election in February 2023, there were just over 2.44 million. For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds will also be eligible to vote in the House of Representatives election on 20 September. Bröchler points out that there are also more eligible voters as a result of the increase in the number of naturalisations. At the same time, there will also be elections to the district assemblies, where the number of eligible voters is slightly higher because EU citizens are also allowed to vote there. 

Revised ballot papers for the House of Representatives election

The ballot paper for the House of Representatives election has been revised. Unlike in the past, there is now only one ballot paper for the first and second votes, as is the case in federal elections. It also looks different in terms of colour: changes to the black and blue tones are intended to make it easier for visually impaired people to read by creating stronger contrasts. 

Additional votes on two referendums possible

On election day, two referendums on regulating outdoor advertising and restricting car traffic in the city centre could also be put to the vote. This has not yet been confirmed, as the required signatures have not yet been collected. If the referendums do go ahead, Bröchler fears that many people will only read the relevant information brochures too late in the voting booth and will therefore need significantly more time. This could lead to queues at the polling stations. An information campaign is planned to raise awareness of this issue in good time.

Number of polling stations increased

To counteract such problems, the number of polling stations has been increased to around 2,550. The state election commissioner has also called on clubs, companies, associations and private owners to provide premises that are barrier-free and at least 50 square metres in size. According to Bröchler, initial feedback has already been received. The number of voting booths is also to be increased to up to six, depending on the number of eligible voters at the polling station in question. 

Around 40,000 election helpers needed

Around 40,000 election workers are planned. In the federal election in February, there were around 36,000 in Berlin. Election workers receive a so-called refreshment allowance of up to 120 euros, depending on the task they perform.