EU Citizens Can Vote in Berlin: Here’s How

Berlin, August 23rd, 2026 (The Berlin Spectator) – EU citizens living in Berlin are often unaware that they have a voice in local politics. While the Abgeordnetenhaus, Berlin’s state parliament, is elected by German citizens only, EU citizens can participate in choosing members of their district assembly, called the Bezirksverordnetenversammlung (BVV).

Both elections occur on the same day, September 20th. Here’s what EU citizens need to know before heading to the polls. Who May Vote To be eligible, voters must hold the citizenship of an EU member state, be at least 16 years old, and have lived in Berlin as their primary residence for at least three months before election day. In practice, this means being registered in Berlin no later than June 20th, 2026.

Voters need not apply separately; anyone meeting these conditions is automatically added to the electoral register. Mailings EU citizens should receive their official voting notification by August 30th, 2026, at the latest. It includes the address of the designated polling station and details about the district assembly election.

Those who have not received this notification should contact their district’s election office (Bezirkswahlamt) directly to ensure they are registered. At the Polls On election day, voters must present a valid photo ID, such as a passport, at their polling station. Only the voter listed on the notification may cast that ballot. Voting for someone else is prohibited.

Unique Role EU citizens should note an important difference from German citizens: while German voters participate in multiple elections on September 20th, EU citizens only vote in the district assembly election. They cannot vote in the state parliament election. If questions arise, the local Bezirkswahlamt can assist, as they manage registration details and can check individual voter records.