German states debate lowering voting age to 16 for state elections

Baden‑Württemberg reduced the voting age for its Landtag election to 16, but the German Basic Law sets the minimum at 18. A Bavarian voter group, represented by Manfred C. Hettlage, has filed a constitutional complaint seeking to have the March 8 2026 election repeated, arguing the result is unconstitutional.

In contrast, North Rhine‑Westphalia approved a law on 17 December 2025 that will allow 16‑year‑olds to vote in its Landtag elections starting in 2027. The change aims to align the state’s voting rules with existing provisions for municipal and European elections and to increase youth participation in decisions on education, climate policy, transport and security.

Both developments highlight a growing debate in Germany over extending suffrage to younger citizens and the constitutional limits that may affect such reforms.