How to Vote
A complete guide to Frankfurt's KAV election — from checking your eligibility to casting your ballot. If you've never voted in a German election before, this page is for you.
Am I eligible to vote?
You can vote in the KAV election if all four of the following apply to you:
You are not a German citizen. Dual nationality including German citizenship disqualifies you from voting in the KAV.
You are at least 18 on election day, March 15, 2026.
You have a main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) registered in Frankfurt — at least since February 1, 2026.
You have not been disqualified from voting by a German court.
Who votes for what?
| Your situation | You vote for |
|---|---|
| Non-EU citizen living in Frankfurt | KAV only |
| EU citizen (non-German) living in Frankfurt | KAV + Stadtverordnetenversammlung / Ortsbeirat |
| Dual national (German + another nationality) | Stadtverordnetenversammlung / Ortsbeirat only — not the KAV |
Your ballot — explained
Your KAV ballot is large: it lists all 26 lists and 411 candidates. Here is what you need to know before you start.
You have 37 votes
The KAV has 37 seats — so you get exactly 37 votes (Stimmen) to distribute. You do not have to use all of them. Unused votes simply don't count. But you can never go over 37.
Up to 3 votes per candidate
Next to each name you will see three circles (①②③). You can give a candidate 1, 2, or 3 votes. Giving multiple votes to one person is called Kumulieren — it signals: "I especially want this person to win."
Vote across different lists
You are not locked into one party list. You can pick candidates from different lists — two from List A, one from List B, one from List C. This is called Panaschieren (cross-voting) and it's completely valid.
The header vote (Kopfstimme)
Each list has a header circle (Kopfleiste) at the top. Mark it, and your 37 votes are automatically distributed across that list's candidates — one vote each, top to bottom. The quickest way to vote.
Five ways to fill out your ballot
There is no single "correct" way to vote. Here are five valid strategies — from the simplest to the most customized.
Pure list vote
Mark one list's header circle. Done. Your 37 votes automatically spread across all candidates on that list.
Best if: You trust a party's entire slate and don't want to pick individuals.
List vote with deletions
Mark a header circle, then cross out any candidates on that list you do not want to receive your votes. The remaining candidates share your 37.
Best if: You mostly support a party but disagree with specific candidates.
Individual votes only
No header circle. Go through the ballot and give 1, 2, or 3 votes to specific candidates of your choice — from one list or several. Total must not exceed 37.
Best if: You have researched specific candidates and want full control.
Mix of individual votes + list vote
First give individual votes to your favorites. Then mark a header circle. The remaining votes (37 minus what you already gave) auto-distribute across that list.
Best if: You have a few favorites but also want to support a broader party slate.
Cross-list cherry-picking
Pick candidates from multiple different lists, giving each 1–3 votes. No header circle. Total must not exceed 37.
Best if: Your priorities cut across party lines and you want maximum personalization.
| Strategy | Header circle? | Individual marks? | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pure list | Yes (one list) | No | Lowest |
| 2. List + deletions | Yes (one list) | Strikethroughs only | Low |
| 3. Individuals only | No | Yes | Medium–High |
| 4. Mix | Yes (one list) | Yes (some) | Medium |
| 5. Cross-list | No | Yes (multiple lists) | Highest |
When is a ballot invalid?
Your ballot is invalid if you exceed the total of 37 votes.
A single candidate can receive a maximum of 3 votes — never more.
You can only cast a Kopfstimme for one list. Marking two invalidates the ballot.
If your intent cannot be determined, or you write your name on the ballot, it will be declared invalid.
Briefwahl — vote from home
You do not have to go to a polling station. Postal voting (Briefwahl) is equally valid — and increasingly popular. No reason needed. Anyone eligible to vote can apply.
Apply for postal voting
Use the QR code on your voter notification card (OLIWA system), send an email to wahlamt.info@stadt-frankfurt.de, mail the application form, or go in person to the Briefwahlbüro at Stiftstraße 29. Applications open Feb 2, 2026.
Receive your materials
You will receive: your ballot (Stimmzettel), a white inner envelope (Stimmzettelumschlag), a red pre-addressed outer envelope (Wahlbrief — postage free!), and a Wahlschein with affidavit to sign.
Fill out your ballot in private
37 votes, up to 3 per candidate — exactly as described above. Take your time. Your vote must be secret even at home.
Seal and sign
Put the ballot in the white inner envelope and seal it. Sign the affidavit on your Wahlschein (mandatory — unsigned = not counted). Put the sealed white envelope and the signed Wahlschein into the red outer envelope and seal it.
Return it in time
Postage is free. Recommend mailing by March 11, 2026. You can also drop it off in person at Zeil 3, Stiftstraße 29, or Bürgeramt Höchst (Dalbergstraße 14).
Key Deadlines
Try it out: sample ballot
Practice with the real ballot data — all 26 lists and 411 candidates. Nothing is saved. This is just for exploring.
FAQ
Do I have to use all 37 votes?
No. You can use as few as 1. Unused votes are simply not counted — they do not help or hurt anyone.
I lost my voter notification card. Can I still vote?
Yes. Contact the Wahlamt (069 212-40400) for a replacement or to confirm your polling station. You can also vote with just your ID — but having the card makes the process smoother.
I don't speak German well. Will there be help at the polling station?
Poll workers are helpful but are not required to speak languages other than German. You may bring someone you trust (aged 16 or older) to assist you — but they must sign an affidavit confirming they followed your wishes exactly.
Can I take a photo of my ballot?
No. Photography inside the voting booth is not allowed. Voting secrecy is protected by law.
I applied for postal voting but want to vote in person instead. Is that possible?
Yes. Bring your Wahlschein (the polling card from your postal voting packet) to any polling station in Frankfurt. With the Wahlschein, you are not restricted to your originally assigned station.
I moved recently. Where do I vote?
Your polling station is based on the address registered with the Einwohnermeldeamt. If you updated your registration before February 1, 2026, your new address should be reflected. When in doubt, call the Wahlamt.
What if I get sick on election day and haven't applied for postal voting?
You can request an emergency postal ballot. On Saturday, March 14 from 08:00–12:00 at Stiftstraße 29. On election day itself until 15:00 at Zeil 3. Call first: 069 212-40400.
Contact & Resources
Stiftstraße 29, Frankfurt am Main
069 212-40400
wahlamt.info@stadt-frankfurt.de
Sunday, March 15, 2026
08:00–18:00
26 lists · 411 candidates · 37 votes