On Sunday, 26 May 2019, general local elections and the European Parliament elections will take place in the state of Brandenburg on a single election day. Citizens will thus have the opportunity to help elect both the members of the highest European representative body and the representatives of their local community (municipal council, town council) or their district (district council).
Also up for election are the honorary mayors, who represent the municipalities within their administrative districts and serve as chairpersons of their municipal councils. In addition, the heads of local districts and members of local advisory councils are elected; these representatives advocate for the interests of their local districts vis-à-vis the city or their municipality.
Young people who have reached the age of 16 are also eligible to vote in local elections.
The essence of local self-government is that citizens, elected directly by their fellow residents, serve in a voluntary capacity in their spare time on town councils, parish councils or district councils, where they take the most important decisions for their town, parish or district. This includes, for example, the adoption of the budget, the shaping of local development through urban planning, decisions on investment in public facilities such as schools, nurseries, hospitals, local and district roads, waste disposal facilities, sports facilities or the fire service, the further expansion of infrastructure, cultural provision or the setting of local taxes.
In recent years, many people have personally contributed to their local communities in this way through voluntary work. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude. For the upcoming elections, it is important that as many people as possible once again agree to take on shared responsibility for the local community in their towns, parishes or districts and stand for election.
Since the peaceful revolution of 1989, towns, municipalities and districts have achieved a great deal in terms of reconstruction. The towns and villages are almost unrecognisable. In the next legislative period, local authorities face further major challenges. Fortunately, the birth rate is rising again. Towns and municipalities in Brandenburg are becoming increasingly attractive to people from other federal states as well. In growing local authorities, additional infrastructure needs to be created. In other places, demographic change must continue to be actively managed. Unlike in any other elections, it is precisely in local elections that citizens have the opportunity to know or get to know their local candidates personally. Voters can form their own judgement as to whom they trust to make the most important decisions on behalf of the population for their towns, parishes and districts in the coming years.
We call on the citizens of our state of Brandenburg to take joint responsibility for their local community and to declare their willingness to stand as candidates for office.
Please also take the opportunity to find out about the candidates and their manifestos before the elections.
On 26 May 2019, take the opportunity to have your say in determining the composition of the representative bodies of cities, towns, and districts, as well as local advisory councils, for the coming years. Cast your vote when the honorary mayor and the local council chairperson are up for election in your municipality!
Local self-government is based on the active participation of citizens!