Elections in Berlin 2021: Selected background information and Preliminary Results

Abstract

The election year 2021 is something very special for Berlin. Never before have eligible voters had so many votes at once. A total of six choices had to be made by voters on the same election day, Sept. 26, 2021. Voters elected parties and candidates for the Bundestag (two votes), the Berlin House of Representatives (two votes), the District Assembly (one vote) and decided on a Berlin referendum “Expropriating Deutsche Wohnen and Co”. The 2021 elections posed major challenges for the responsible bodies: The Bundestag and Berlin elections were based on different laws; till July 1st, 2021 it was unclear whether the referendum was to be held; and ultimately the Covid pandemic lead to an increased organizational effort. A total of 13 million ballots of 403 different types were printed, more than ever before. Background information is provided with regard to the cutting of constituencies and the responsible bodies. The procedure for postal voting is presented, as is the counting process. Initial results are also presented with reference to previous elections.