First election, lots of questions
This autumn, it’s that time of year again. It’s ‘election time’ in Berlin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt. For many young people, this will be the first election in which they are eligible to vote. It’s the moment when they can officially have a say in the direction their region takes. It’s about their future and the things that matter to them. This makes it all the more crucial that as many of them as possible cast their vote and fulfil their democratic responsibility.

This is precisely where our ‘Wahlzeit 2026’ project comes in: it aims to inspire people to go out and vote by showing how state politics relates to their own everyday lives. Participants learn what is decided in the state parliament, who wants to have a say there, how elections actually work and, most importantly, how they themselves can make a difference.

What is ‘Wahlzeit 2026’?
‘Election Time 2026’ is a modular workshop that we have developed in the run-up to the Senate elections in Berlin and the state parliament elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt. It is aimed at young voters aged 16 and over and provides basic knowledge about the upcoming elections to lower the barrier to voting.

Participants gain a basic understanding of the issues being debated at state level and engage with political positions. They learn about the spectrum of the parties’ stances and reflect on their own views on issues that affect them. In this way, ‘Wahlzeit 2026’ supports the development of informed, considered and independent voting decisions and strengthens democratic skills at a time when democratic processes are under increasing pressure.

The workshop materials are provided free of charge and include guidance notes, enabling teachers and facilitators to use them independently. On request, trainers can also visit schools, workplaces, youth centres or clubs in person to run the workshop there.

What makes Wahlzeit special?
Wahlzeit 2026…
  • consists of several 45-minute modules that can be combined as required – for example, for a double lesson or a full project day. This makes the workshop flexible for use in a variety of contexts.
  • actively engages participants and aims to achieve lasting learning whilst ensuring they have fun. That is why the workshop uses playful and interactive methods that simultaneously strengthen democratic skills.
  • It was developed specifically with the state elections in Berlin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt in mind. It specifically addresses topics and discussions from these three federal states so that young people can relate to their own lived experiences.
Anyone taking part in ‘Wahlzeit 2026’ empowers young people locally and sends a clear signal in support of democratic culture in their own region.

You can support the project by:
  • providing financial support for the project, thereby enabling the development of the materials and their free provision (and, where applicable, the running of sessions in your region),
  • hosting the workshop locally and/or inviting us to run sessions,
  • raising awareness of “Wahlzeit 2026” and thereby helping to reach out to target groups.
If you are interested in supporting the project or organising “Wahlzeit 2026” in your local area, we would be delighted to hear from you at anfragen@planpolitik.de

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