364. From what age may one vote in municipal elections in Hesse?

Answer options

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

Explanation

In Hesse, the active right to vote in municipal elections begins at 18, as provided by the Hessian Municipal Election Act, which ties electoral capacity to the age of majority. Article 28(1) of the Basic Law guarantees the local electoral principles (universal, direct, free, equal, and secret) but leaves the determination of voting age to the Länder. Several Länder have lowered the municipal voting age to 16; Hesse has not done so (as of 2024).