Berlin Allows Commercial Election Ads Before Official Campaign Period

Berlin's election authority clarified that commercial advertising spaces may be used for political purposes without a special permit, even before the seven‑week restriction that applies to official election posters. Parties can place campaign messages on publicly permitted commercial billboards at any time, while traditional election posters on street fixtures remain limited to the period from seven weeks before to one week after the vote. The rule change, approved at the request of the CDU and SPD factions, permits parties to start hanging election signage on streetlights from August 2, 2026, instead of the previous midnight deadline. Authorities noted that the earlier start eases volunteer efforts and improves compliance, as midnight restrictions were difficult to enforce. The adjustment is expected to affect the upcoming Berlin state election campaign, where more than 100,000 posters are typically displayed.