The Kommunalwahl will take place in Aachen this Sunday, 14 September. Elections will be held for the Mayor (Oberbürgermeister*in), the City Council (Stadtrat), and the Integration Council (representing foreigners), among others.
Why does this matter? The City Council and the Mayor are key political bodies in the city. For example, they directly decide on any investments made by the city, so they will have a direct impact on you as a resident of Aachen. They also lead the city administration, meaning the different municipal departments and matters such as street cleaning and infrastructure management. This also means that they oversee the Foreigners Office of Aachen.
Who can vote? For the Kommunalwahl, all German and EU citizens who have lived in Aachen since at least 29 August 2025 and are at least 16 years old can vote.
For the Integrationsrat, all foreigners living in Aachen since at least 29 August 2025 and aged at least 16 can vote. This makes the Integrationsrat election the only official vote in which foreigners can participate. It’s an opportunity not to be missed!
How can I vote? If you are a registered resident of Aachen, you should have received your voter notice (Wahlbenachrichtigung). For the Integrationsratswahl, you should have received a yellow letter. This letter tells you where to vote on 14 September; it’s usually the school closest to your address. If you cannot go on the day, you can apply for a postal ballot until 23:59 on 10 September. You can then either fill it out and send it by post for free from Germany, or put it in the voting committee’s mailbox at Blücherplatz. This is recommended if the postal service might be too late.
Who can I vote for, and where can I find out more? Information on the different parties, lists and candidates can be found on the Stadt Aachen website. Wahlen Stadt Aachen | Stadt Aachen
Sources: Wahlen Stadt Aachen | Stadt Aachen
Die wichtigsten Infos zu Stadträten und Kreistagen – Nachrichten – WDR
fb01-wahlvorschlaege-integrationswahl-14092025-07082025.pdf
Writer: Radite Adyanawa