Elections happening at local and regional levels on the 14th of next month

Voters in Essen will head to the polls on September 14, 2025, for a significant election that includes the municipal election, the election of the Integration Council, and the Ruhr Parliament (Regional Association Ruhr). Here's a guide to help you navigate the voting process.

Eligibility

To be eligible to vote, you must be either a German citizen according to Article 116, Paragraph 1 of the Basic Law or a national of another EU member state, be at least 16 years old, have lived in Essen with your main residence for at least 16 days before the election, and have no residence outside Essen. You must also not be excluded from voting rights.

As of August 3, 2025, a total of 432,295 people were eligible to vote in the municipal and RVR elections, and 156,160 for the Integration Council election.

Voting Notification Letter

All eligible voters will receive their voting notification letter by August 24. This letter contains crucial information, including the polling district and polling station where your vote can be cast. If you lose your voting notification letter, you can still vote at the assigned polling station by presenting your personal ID or passport.

Applying for Mail-In Ballots

Voters can apply for mail-in ballots online starting August 9. Postal voting applications can be made in handwriting on the back of the voting notification letter. The dispatch of the postal voting documents is expected to begin on or around August 18. It's essential to ensure that voting letters reach their destination in time to arrive by 4 pm on election day.

Postal Voting Scheme

The voting scheme is the most important part of the postal voting documents. It contains all the information needed to cast your vote correctly.

Moving Within Essen

If you move within Essen between August 4 and 29 and change your residential address, you will need to vote at the polling station of your new address.

Moving to Essen

If you move to Essen from another city between August 4 and 29, you will be automatically added to the Essen voter registry and will receive a voting notification letter.

Inspection of Voter Lists

An inspection of the voter lists for Essen will be possible from August 25 to 29 at the Essen City Hall.

Essen Municipal Election Navigator

The "Essen Municipal Election Navigator" will be available online from August 14th, providing additional information and resources to help you make an informed decision.

The "Essen Municipal Election Navigator"

For more information and updates, the "Essen Municipal Election Navigator" will be available online from August 14th. This resource will provide additional information and tools to help you make an informed decision.

Key Dates