
WahlheYmat was launched as an initiative on 15 September 2023, with Democracy Day providing the occasion. So this week, we turn three years old. Some international Berliners, including our co-founders, asked the question: If Berlin has become diverse and international, wouldn’t it be better to govern the city together? We had almost a hundred conversations with very different people about this…

What Happens on Election Day? Election day is when eligible voters in a democracy are called on to cast their ballots. Voting and Counting the Votes In Germany, elections must be held on a Sunday or a public holiday. Polling stations are generally open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are often located in schools, sports halls or town halls.…

How Do You Decide Which Party to Vote For? Many people find it difficult to decide which party to vote for. But instead of not voting at all, it is important to inform yourself thoroughly. Democracy is based on people making decisions together based on their own convictions. To do so, voters need to be aware of their own views and…

Why Is Rent Policy a Central Issue in Berlin’s Election Campaign? Around 85 percent of Berliners live in rented accommodation. At the same time, the housing market in the capital is tight: rents are rising, new housing construction remains sluggish, and legal loopholes frequently allow furnished apartments to be offered at inflated prices. This is why rent policy is one of…

What Impact Does Berlin’s Electoral Reform Have? In September 2023, Berlin’s House of Representatives (AGH) adopted an amendment to the state constitution lowering the voting age from 18 to 16. The aim of the constitutional amendment is to strengthen the democratic participation of young people. The new rule will apply for the first time in the 2026 election to the House…

What is a Volksentscheid? A Volksentscheid, or referendum, allows Berliners to vote directly on proposed legislation and political issues outside regular elections, or to trigger an early election. Anyone who is eligible to vote in elections to the Berlin House of Representatives (Abgeordnetenhaus) is also eligible to take part in a Volksentscheid. A Volksentscheid can only take place after a successful…
WahlheYmatPost — Understand How To Berlin
Quick stories, local events, and ways to take part, right in your inbox — made with Berliner Morgenpost.
Your data matters to us — see our privacy policy.
This is a cooperation with Berliner Morgenpost. You can subscribe to their newsletters here.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com (opens in a new window)