What are the eligibility criteria for this election?

• 16 years old,
• have had legal resident status in Germany for at least a year, and
• the municipality has been their main place of residence for at least 16 days prior to the election.

Persons who acquired German citizenship after February 8, 2005 may also be eligible to vote if they meet certain criteria. If eligible, they can apply to be entered in the voter register.

Foreign residents who are not eligible to vote are:

• members of diplomatic missions, their families, and persons in their employ;
• honorary consular officers; asylum seekers whose procedures are currently pending.

Persons eligible to vote in the Integration Council election as well German residents of the city are eligible to run for election to the Integration Council provided they are at least 18 years of age.

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What is the election procedure?

• An election notification card will be sent to you in January. It will indicate the polling station you need to go to, and the date on which to cast your ballot.
• You will need to take along the election notification card and your passport. If you lose your election notification card you will still be able to vote if you present your passport and your name is in the voter register.
• There is also the option of voting by absentee ballot. An absentee ballot can be requested by making use of the appropriate option on your election notification card, by sending in a letter of your own, or by ordering one on the Internet. You can pick it up in the City Administration Building in person or it can be sent to you by mail. See your city's website.

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Why Vote?

As a foreign resident of Germany, the Integration Council is your chance to have your interests represented in local government.  Indeed, while the Council has no direct governing duties, the weight its recommendations carry will be proportional to the number of votes it gets - i.e. how many of the local expat and immigrant community is involved.

So excercise your right to vote and help the expat and immigrant community in your city have its voice be heard!

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