414. From what age may one vote in municipal elections in Rhineland-Palatinate?
Official German wording
Ab welchem Alter darf man in Rheinland-Pfalz bei Kommunalwahlen wählen?
Answer options
Correct answer
18
Explanation
The law governing municipal suffrage is a Land competence; Article 28(1) of the Basic Law secures the electoral principles (universal, direct, free, equal, secret) but leaves detailed regulation to the Länder. In Rhineland‑Palatinate, the Kommunalwahlgesetz (Municipal Elections Act) lowered the active voting age to 16, so German and EU citizens are enfranchised at municipal level from 16 if other requirements are met. Eligibility to stand (passive suffrage) generally remains at 18, and is higher for certain full‑time executive offices. The voting age for Landtag and Bundestag elections remains 18.
Official sources
The German questions come from the original BAMF catalog for the Einbürgerungstest and Leben in Deutschland. Translations and explanations are study aids; verify legal details in the official sources.