State election supervisor calls for participation in repeat election

State election director Stephan Bröchler

Stephan Bröchler, the state election supervisor, is calling on voters to take part in the repeat Bundestag election in Berlin on February 11.

"It is important that as many Berliners as possible make use of the opportunity to cast their vote," Bröchler told the German Press Agency. "That's a very important point on my agenda in the coming weeks, to keep beating the drum for this," said the administrative scientist. "We want to achieve a voter turnout around the level we had in the repeat election last February, i.e. around 60 per cent."

Hopes for high voter turnout despite difficult conditions

"If we get a low voter turnout, it will damage our democracy," warned Bröchler. "Because then it becomes clear that going to the polling station or even voting by mail is not considered that important." But voting is important. "Even under these difficult conditions, we have to show that we stand up for our democracy."

Election date on the last day of the winter holidays

However, the election date makes things even more difficult. "It's the last day of the winter holidays. Many people will be on holiday and may not be back until Sunday," says the state returning officer. This makes the option of postal voting all the more important this time. "An acceptable voter turnout is important for us as a federal state, but also with a view to the federal government in an election year in which we will still have three state elections," said Bröchler. "The question is, what signal will Berlin send out? This gives rise to a particular responsibility."