Emergency Need for Poll Workers in Upcoming 2025 Local Elections in NRW
The municipal elections in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) are fast approaching, with the main election day scheduled for September 14th, 2025, and a runoff election on September 28th. Over 100,000 volunteers are required to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process, and while Bielefeld already has enough helpers for the main election day, a low three-digit number is still needed for the runoff election.
The local election offices are encouraging people to apply to become election helpers (Wahlhelfer/Wahlhelferin). Andreas Zinn, head of the Cologne election office, has urged potential candidates to visit the website and submit their applications. In Cologne alone, 8,500 honorary helpers are needed, with 1,500 positions still vacant.
To become an election helper, you generally need to be eligible to vote in the municipality, be at least 16 years old, and not be excluded from the right to vote. Some basic understanding of election procedures is also required, which is supported by training platforms or sessions.
The municipalities offer a modest payment or allowance for the voluntary service, with compensation typically ranging between 30 and 50 euros per working day, depending on the role. The exact amount and conditions will be stated by the local election authority.
To apply, visit your local municipality’s website and navigate to the election services or Wahlamt section. Look specifically for terms like "wahlhelferinnen und wahlhelfer werden" (becoming election helpers). Use the provided contact (email, phone, or online form) to register interest. Engage in any offered training, often online or in-person shortly before the election.
For example, in Rheinbach, you can sign up directly via the Wahlamt and benefit from an online learning platform for election helpers to prepare yourself. In cities like Dortmund and Essen, similar procedures exist with public calls for experienced or new election helpers due to the importance of the upcoming municipal elections in 2025.
Since municipal election organization is managed locally, specific details on application process and compensation must be confirmed with your respective local town or city administration in NRW.
If you are interested in becoming an election helper in a specific city or municipality in NRW, please let us know! We are here to help you navigate the process.
- If you're interested in contributing to the democratic process, consider applying to become an election helper (Wahlhelfer/Wahlhelferin) for the upcoming municipal elections in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
- As the municipal elections in cities like Dortmund and Essen approach, there's a growing need for more election helpers, and fortunately, the application process can be completed through each local municipality’s website.
