Despite a shortened preparation period, Germany’s state capitals are reporting a positive outcome in the recruitment of volunteer election helpers for the federal election. According to reports by RTL and ntv, a similar picture emerges when looking at all cities: the willingness of Germans to provide election assistance is evident.
Many people have a strong sense of active democracy in society, and therefore, a high basic willingness to take on an honorary position in an election committee, said the State Election Commissioner for Berlin. In Munich, more volunteers have signed up than are needed, according to the City’s District Administration. “No shortages are foreseeable” is also the case in the city of Mainz. However, there is still a need for support in individual electoral districts and neighborhoods, as seen in the state capital of Hanover.
Additionally, there is a need for reserve personnel who can step in spontaneously on election day, as the city of Bremen has noted. As the city of Saarbrücken pointed out, it is common for there to be last-minute absences on election Sunday. However, the trend is positive: “Fortunately, we are pleased with a high response rate. All positions have been filled, and there are sufficient election helpers available as reserves” the city of Wiesbaden reported to RTL and ntv upon inquiry.
Moreover, the willingness to provide election assistance and the number of new applications are, in a sample of cases, even higher than in 2021, as seen in the city of Stuttgart. “Of course, the advance federal election with shorter deadlines brings fundamental special demands” the city of Hanover said. The plans, however, are on a good track. “The election helper planning is complete. No more election helpers are needed” it was stated from Schwerin.