SPD state and parliamentary group leader Saleh said he was a strong supporter of lowering the voting age to 16 for state elections because young people deserve a voice. He explained that this regulation already applies in five other German states, including Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg and the neighboring Brandenburg. "It's high time for Berlin," Saleh said. "We can pass a law this year that can then apply for the 2026 parliamentary elections. I personally believe that many young Berliners will take advantage of this new right." He added that experience in the German states, where young people are allowed to vote at 16, also points to this.