Berlin State Election 2026 Introduces Single Ballot and Lowers Voting Age to 16

Berlin’s 2026 state election on 20 September will be the first to use a single ballot covering both the constituency and party list votes, replacing the traditional two‑ballot system. The reform also allows citizens who have turned 16 to vote, lowering the previous age limit of 18. Election authorities plan about 2,542 polling stations and 1,572 mail‑in ballot centres, roughly ten percent more than in the last contest, and will need around 40,000 poll workers. The budget allocates €1.3 million for printed materials, €3.5 million for postage and €2.8 million for other services. Officials warned of possible disinformation campaigns by foreign actors and said they are monitoring social‑media rumors and preparing rapid‑response tools.