Eligibility for Voting and Election of Members in the Integration Committee: Explained
A Lower Town Revolution:
Secure your seat in Bottrop's Integration Committee on September 14, 2025! This dynamic committee champions diversity and voices, acting as an advisory board for all matters relating to migration and integration. With an ambition to reach every eligible voter and potential candidate, the vibrant city of Bottrop kicks off an extensive information campaign.
Thomas Schwarzer, head of the Migration Department, Carolin Paskuda, from the Office of the Mayor, and Hajra Dorow, chairperson of the Integration Committee, enlightened the masses at a press conference about this significant event. Candidates have until July 7, 6 pm, to submit their proposals, with the electoral office providing easy-to-fill forms and assistance. Candidates can also be proposed by groups of eligible voters or individuals. The requirements for candidacy are simple: be 18, have lived in Germany for a year by election day, and reside in Bottrop for three months prior to the election, along with securing at least 10 signatures from eligible voters.
To the Podcast
Hajra Dorow emphasizes the significance of the committee, "You're not just discussing; you're involved in the topics, and everyone should also exercise their right to vote. This is about fostering a culturally, politically, legally, and socially equal society for people with migration background."
The city administration, however, faces a unique challenge — creating a voter registry. Those eligible to vote five years ago will automatically receive a voter notice, but Bottrop residents with foreign citizenship may also vote. Eligibility includes being at least 16, living in Germany for at least a year, and residing in Bottrop for 16 days prior to the election. Residents can be registered through the registration office. The exact number of eligible voters remains an estimate at this stage due to complexities surrounding naturalization and relocation.
Multilingual information about the election
To spread awareness, the city administration utilizes social media, digital advertising boards, bus ads, flyers, posters, and a QR code on the city's homepage for multilingual information. They also offer a podcast (bottrop.lauscht) on major streaming platforms, sharing details about the upcoming election. The voter registry will be established on August 3, and those who believe they are eligible but don't receive a notice should contact the election office.
With a call for active political participation by people with an international family history in Bottrop, let's work together for a more equal and inclusive society. Learn moreMultilingual Information Voter Rights (c) Text/Photo: Stadt Bottrop
Information about passive voting rights
Enrichment Data Insights:Typically, residents with migrant backgrounds meeting legal voting criteria can participate in Integration Committee elections. Candidates are residents with migration backgrounds who meet age and residency requirements. The city promotes participation by sending voting information letters and organizing polling stations. In neighboring Castrop-Rauxel, voters receive letters informing them about voting details and polling stations are set up accordingly, providing a potential model for Bottrop. For precise and up-to-date details specific to Bottrop, consulting official city government communications or dedicated event pages closer to the election date is advisable.
- The Integration Committee in Bottrop, which will hold elections on September 14, 2025, is a platform for individuals with a migration background to voice their opinions and get involved in political discussions, as emphasized by Hajra Dorow.
- In order to create a culturally, politically, legally, and socially equal society, it's crucial for eligible voters with a migrant background to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming Integration Committee elections in Bottrop, as suggested by the city administration's outreach programs.
