Wanted helpers! This is how the Bundestag election in Berlin succeeds despite challenges!

On December 26, 2024, the state election manager Stephan Bröchler attended a polling station in Lichtenberg and communicated the current situation in the run -up to the upcoming new election on February 23. In particular, the surprising termination of the traffic light coalition in the federal government also attracted attention from the electoral authorities. Preparations for the new election are in full swing, with most of the twelve Berlin districts have already progressed well.

Nevertheless, there is a lack of election workers in particular in the Mitte, Lichtenberg, Treptow-Köpenick and Neukölln districts. The total requirement of election workers is 36,000, but between 2,000 and 3,000 election workers are currently missing, including 700 in Mitte alone. In Marzahn-Hellersdorf there is a special need for electoral and secretary.

refreshment allowance and tasks of the election workers

election workers receive a refreshing allowance of 100 euros, with only 80 euros being paid in postal voting places. This remuneration is 120 euros (100 euros in postal voting places) for the functional offices, such as secretary and election leader. Secretary are responsible for the management of the electoral list and the logging of the events, while election heads keep contact with the district office and handed over documents on election day.

Bröchler describes the organization of a federal election as a sporting challenge within 60 days. Postal voting in particular is a major challenge, since a shortening of the deadline for two to three weeks can be expected. Postal voting documents are to be sent to the voters on February 10, with voters having 13 days to fill out and send their documents. It is also recommended to personally submit the postal voting documents to the district office.

According to the website Wahlhelfer.info, the election board plays a central role in the organization and implementation of elections. This consists of several organs such as the election leader, the deputy election leader, the secretary and the assessors. The members of the electoral board are often volunteered and are appointed by the communities. Your tasks include the preparation and implementation of the election as well as the documentation of the election results.

The intensive cooperation between the election board members is considered crucial for a proper election process. In view of the challenges that can occur during the election, members need legal knowledge and are dependent on training by the electoral authorities. The activity in the election board not only contributes to the legitimacy and credibility of the election process, but also promotes the sense of community and understanding for the democratic processes.