Council advocates for identical voting procedures in elections
In the city of Bergisch Gladbach, concerns have been raised about the upcoming Integration Council election, scheduled for September 14, 2025. The election, which serves as a central instrument for political participation for people from third countries, is not being presented prominently on the city's election office website, unlike other elections.
The city did not announce the Integration Council election simultaneously and equally with the municipal election, and the voting notifications for the Integration Council election will be sent in neutral, inconspicuous envelopes, unlike the eye-catching envelopes used for municipal election notifications. This discrepancy in presentation may potentially lead to a lower voter turnout, as eye-catching envelopes can serve as attention-grabbing tools that remind and motivate recipients to vote.
The Integration Council has repeatedly expressed concerns about the city administration's handling of the election, urging for the publication of an official model ballot for both elections, digitally as well as posted in the direct election office and in all polling stations. They have also emphasized the need for clear signage and materials for both elections starting from August 18, 2025, and for all polling stations to be clearly visible on election day (September 14, 2025).
The city administration is waiving the use of official model ballots for the Integration Council election, citing a "voluntary service" and the multitude of council and district council ballots. The Integration Council has demanded a repeated dispatch of voting notifications for the Integration Council election in envelopes clearly marked with the label "Official Election Notification".
The first announcement for the Integration Council election was made on August 15, after an explicit request from the Integration Council. However, the announcement was delayed and incomplete, lacking information on approved lists and individual candidates, a brief description of the Integration Council, and barriers-free information. The Integration Council has pointed out that late and incomplete information weakens the voter turnout.
If no measures are taken, the Integration Council will initiate further steps and inform the public again. They have also emphasized the need for clarity and transparency in the election process, and will discuss the current status at the public Integrations Council meeting on September 3, 2025. They will also inform the State Integrations Council NRW and the local supervisory authority about the situation.
The city administration has been urged to address these concerns to ensure a fair and inclusive election process for all eligible voters. The Integration Council election is an important opportunity for political participation, and it is crucial that all voters are aware of and can participate in this election.
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