Preparations for possible repetition of the Bundestag election in Berlin are ongoing

Preparations for possible repetition of the Bundestag election in Berlin are ongoing

Berlin is already preparing for a possible repetition of the Bundestag election. Even if there is still no precise date for the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court, the first preparations are already underway. The state election manager Stephan Bröchler confirmed that possible printing companies are spoken to provide the ballot papers. However, these can only be ordered when the green light is given.

The search for polling stations has also started. The districts in Berlin are already looking for possible premises that could be available at the end of November, December and January. However, it is emphasized that it is difficult to ensure rooms for such a long period of time, as there could be problems with the use of sports halls. Nevertheless, the first preliminary questions are asked and options are examined.

If the Federal Constitutional Court ordered a complete repetition of the Bundestag election in Berlin, significantly more optional rooms would be required. The search for election helpers would also be more difficult. The state election office would have to advertise again to find enough helpers. According to the court's decision, only 60 days would be available until the election would have to be repeated.

Another concern of the state election manager is an acceptable turnout. Bröchler wishes that the turnout should be at least 60 percent. However, this is an enormous challenge, since some citizens may have already participated in the previous repetition choice and now do not want to vote again.

Regardless of a possible repetition, the administrative scientist calls for further reforms in the election organization. He emphasizes the need for four additional positions for the planned state election office and calls for the provision of constant district electoral offices in each district. Only with these additional resources can the state election office effectively perform its tasks.

The Bundestag election in Berlin in September 2021 was chaotic. There were long queues, false or missing ballot papers in many polling stations. For this reason, the factions of the CDU/CSU and AfD submitted an election examination complaint to achieve a more extensive or complete repetition of the choice. The Federal Constitutional Court has already negotiated the complaint, but is still faced with the decision. The election to the House of Representatives was completely repeated in February.

Preparations for a possible repetition of the Bundestag election in Berlin are in full swing. The provision of the ballot papers and the search for suitable polling stations are crucial steps to ensure smooth elections. The decision of the Federal Constitutional Court will decide whether the Bundestag election in Berlin will be completely repeated and what the further steps will look like to improve the election organization.