Campaign signage removal duration in North Rhine-Westphalia
In the upcoming municipal elections in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), candidates and political associations will have the opportunity to operate election advertising in the public street space for six weeks before the local election. However, there are specific regulations governing the placement of election posters in Cologne and Leverkusen.
According to the rules, campaign posters must be hung with the bottom edge over sidewalks at a minimum height of 2.20 meters, over bicycle paths at a minimum height of 2.50 meters. A minimum distance of 10 meters must be maintained from certain locations such as pedestrian crossings, intersections, entrance ramps, roundabouts, and railway crossings. The poster placement may not exceed a height of 3.50 meters, and a residual sidewalk width of 1.50 m must be maintained.
In addition, the number and location of the campaign posters must be reported to the Cologne Authority for Public Order by election day, September 14. Candidates and political associations must also name a responsible person in charge of the poster placement in advance.
Campaign advertising is prohibited within 50 meters of the Cologne customer centers and the election organization on Dillenburger Street, around all other polling stations, such as schools, this prohibition applies at least on election day itself. In and on buildings with polling stations, as well as directly in front of the entrances, any influence on voters is prohibited.
In Leverkusen, incorrectly placed posters result in a fine of 15 euros, while non-removal after the election leads to a fine of 25 euros. In case of a runoff election in Leverkusen, posters must be taken down by October 6. Poster placement is generally prohibited on certain locations such as traffic sign masts, traffic lights, speed cameras, street name signs, direction signs, parking ticket machines, paper bin holding devices, green areas, parks, trees, tree protection grids, tripods, bridges, and bridge railings.
Digital, local voting aids for young voters have started before the municipal elections in NRW. The general decree for the state of NRW for the regulation of election advertising for the local election on September 14 in Cologne is available for download as a PDF. Further information on the North Rhine-Westphalia Municipal Election Act is available, and the information sheet for the municipal election campaign 2025 in Leverkusen is available for download as a PDF.
Attention: The advertising with large-format poster carriers must be approved individually. Gudrun Mallwitz is a candidate in the 2025 local election in North Rhine-Westphalia.
As the municipal elections in NRW approach, these new rules and regulations will ensure a fair and orderly campaign period. Stay informed and make your voice heard!
