Voting at Age 16 and Up

Many young people in North Rhine-Westphalia will be able to cast their first vote in the 2027 state election. With the lowering of the voting age, approximately 300,000 16- and 17-year-olds are now eligible to vote. For families, this is a great opportunity to discuss democracy, political participation, and current social issues together. Find out here who is eligible to vote, how the state election works, and how parents can support their children.

The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy. It determines who is eligible to vote in elections and who represents citizens in the state parliament.

In Germany, there is a minimum voting age. For federal elections, it remains 18 years. However, the voting age for local and state elections is a matter for the individual states. In 2025, the voting age in North Rhine-Westphalia was lowered, expanding political participation for young people. 

Today, young people are deeply engaged with issues that directly affect them, such as education, career development, climate protection, and digitalization. Many of these issues are decided at the state level. By lowering the voting age, North Rhine-Westphalia aims to involve young people in democratic decision-making at an earlier stage. Those who vote in state elections can thus take responsibility for the future and actively help shape the political direction of the state.

In the state election on April 25, 2027, the right to vote is granted to anyone who

• at least 16 years old,
• are a German citizen,  
• has resided in North Rhine-Westphalia for at least 16 days prior to the election, 
• and is registered on the voter roll or holds a voter registration card. 

The right to stand for election—that is, the right to be elected—on the other hand, stipulates that anyone who wishes to run for a seat in the state parliament must still be at least 18 years old

State legislative elections are held every 5 years.

The first vote is used to elect a candidate from the electoral district.  

The second vote determines how many seats a party receives in the state parliament. The more second votes a party receives, the more seats it gets in the state parliament. That is why it is considered particularly important for the composition of the parliament.  

Important to know: Voting is voluntary. There is no compulsory voting in Germany.

These rules ensure that every citizen can vote democratically:

The federal government, the states, and the municipalities each have different responsibilities. Many issues affecting families and young people fall under the jurisdiction of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Every vote, therefore, helps determine the state’s policy priorities for the coming years. 

Issues that affect the daily lives of families and young people include, for example:

• Education and schools: School facilities or all-day programs
• Training and careers: Support programs for career entry or vocational training
• Families and Children: Family support, daycare centers, or vacation programs for families
• Buses and Trains: Expansion of public transit
• Sports and Leisure: Support for sports clubs and youth centers
• Culture: Support for music and art schools, festivals, and youth theater
• Health: hospital planning or preventive health services
• Security: Police, disaster response, or measures against cybercrime

However, your vote in the state legislative election does not determine a single law or a single funding allocation. Your vote elects the state legislators and the parties that will shape state policy for the next legislative term. It is therefore important to be well-informed before the election about the positions held by the parties’ candidates.

It’s important to form your own opinion. To do so, it helps to familiarize yourself with the various parties’ platforms and their proposals for shaping the country’s future.

Information sources like these can help you form an opinion: 

• Compare election platforms
• Use trustworthy information and news sources
• Critically evaluate information from political parties
• Discuss political topics with family and friends
• Information resources and discussions at school
• Using resources such as the Wahl-O-Mat, which is available online before the election

The state legislature itself also offers many informational resources for young people: 

• Visitor programs: Get to know the state parliament
• Conversations with members of the Presidium
• Discussions with state legislators from various parties

Political education begins at home. Parents can help their children form their own opinions, but should not influence their decisions:

• Show interest in political issues
• Watch the news together
• Respectfully discuss differing opinions
• Compare information from various sources

It is important that young people make their own voting decisions. Parents can provide guidance, but should avoid steering their children in a particular direction.