Hessen Retains 18-Year Voting Age for Local Elections, Facing Criticism

Hessen bucks the trend, keeping the voting age at 18. Critics argue this decision silences young voices in local politics.

, and Administrator

2025 October 22 . 8:03 AM

1 min read

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Hessen Retains 18-Year Voting Age for Local Elections, Facing Criticism

In a move that diverges from the trend in other German states, Hessen has decided to retain the voting age at 18 for local elections. This decision has been met with criticism from pro-democracy groups and political figures.

Hessen is now one of only five federal states that maintain the voting age at 18 for local elections. This decision has been slammed by Matthias Klarebach from Mehr Demokratie Hessen, who described it as a 'democratic policy confession' that disenfranchises young people.

The Hessian state parliament, dominated by the CDU, has collectively blocked attempts to lower the voting age to 16. This stance is in stark contrast to the party's position in North Rhine-Westphalia, where they support a lower voting age. The CDU's actions in Hessen have been criticized for hindering young people's political participation.

Hessen's decision to keep the voting age at 18 for local elections is a departure from the trend in other German states. The move has been criticized by pro-democracy advocates and political figures, who argue that it prevents young people from participating in the political process. The future of the voting age in Hessen remains uncertain, with the CDU's position on the issue being a key factor in any potential change.