354. From what age may one vote in Hamburg in local elections (elections to the district assemblies)?

Answer options

1. 14
2. 16
3. 18
4. 20

Explanation

In Hamburg, the active voting age for elections to the district assemblies is 16; eligibility to stand for office generally begins at 18. Setting the franchise for local elections lies within the Länder’s legislative competence and complies with Article 28(1) of the Basic Law, which prescribes the principles of universal, direct, free, equal, and secret elections. As a city-state, Hamburg has no municipalities; district assemblies constitute the level of local self-government within the meaning of Article 28(2) GG. The lower voting age is intended to enhance youth participation and is compatible with EU law; resident EU citizens are likewise entitled to vote in these local elections.