Elections

Citizens can participate in the political decision-making process at federal, state and municipal level by taking part in elections and voting. The direct election of mayors and district councillors as well as the introduction of accumulation and panache in local elections have further strengthened citizens' opportunities to exert influence.
The state elections, referendums and referendums, referendums as well as the federal and European elections are prepared by the state electoral officer and organised with the support of the district electoral officers and the cities and municipalities.

The general municipal elections, the direct elections of mayors and district councillors, the election of foreigners' advisory councils and the citizens' petitions and referendums, on the other hand, are organised under the sole responsibility of the cities, municipalities and districts due to the local self-government guaranteed by the constitution.