Hamburg votes on Olympic bid in citywide referendum
On 31 May 2026 Hamburg held a referendum allowing about 1.3 million eligible voters to decide whether the city should apply to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044. Voting took place at 178 polling stations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while 40 % of the electorate had already cast a mail ballot.
The red‑green Senate, supported by the SPD, Greens and CDU, promotes the bid, arguing it would bring new housing, upgraded sports facilities, improved public transport and increased barrier‑free infrastructure. Notable backers include tennis star Alexander Zverev, singer Udo Lindenberg and Paralympic table‑tennis bronze medalist Hans‑Jürgen Rehder, who said, "Am Sonntag stimme ich mit Nein." Opponents such as the Left, AfD, environmental groups and the "NOlympia" initiative warn of cost overruns and unfulfilled promises.
The campaign saw roughly 28 000 pro‑Olympic posters dominate the cityscape, while anti‑Olympic messages were far fewer. The city estimates a budget of €4.8 billion in expenses against €4.9 billion in projected revenues, not counting security costs. Preliminary results were expected around 10 p.m., with the final count to be published by 25 June. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) will choose Germany’s candidate on 26 September, competing with Munich, the Rhein‑Ruhr region and Berlin.