Kommunale Ausländer:innenvertretung (KAV)

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For the KAV elections on March 15, 2026, voter eligibility in Hessen is defined under the Hessian municipal regulations. Wahlen in Hessen

Eligible voters include:

• Non-German residents registered in Frankfurt who are 18 years or older
   
• EU citizens, including those eligible in regular municipal elections
   
• Other non-EU citizens, including people with refugee or asylum status, permanent residents, and others registered with the city
   
• People with dual citizenship may be eligible based on rules determining citizenship status for this specific voting right
   

German citizens are not eligible to vote in the KAV election itself, although they can participate in other municipal elections held on the same day. Wahlen in Hessen

Specific local rules on residency duration and registration deadlines will be published by the city’s election office.

The 2026 Ausländerbeiratswahl (KAV election) takes place on March 15, 2026 — the same day as other municipal elections in Hessen. Wahlen in Hessen

Steps to vote:

1. Check eligibility — you must be registered as a local resident and meet voter criteria.
    
2. Receive your voting documents — the city sends information by mail with polling details.
    
3. Choose how to vote:
    
   • In-person at your polling station on election day
      
   • Postal vote (Briefwahl) — request and return your ballot by post before the deadline
      

1. Cast your vote — select preferred candidates or lists following instructions.
    
2. Ensure timely submission — postal votes must arrive before the official deadline.
    

Detailed local voting rules, ballot samples, and deadlines are announced by the city election office closer to the election date. 

 When voting in the KAV election:

• Your vote is private and protected by German election law.
   
• Participation does not affect your residence status, benefits, or legal rights.
   
• All eligible voters have an equal vote — each counts the same.
   
• Use the official ballot correctly — avoid marks outside designated spaces.
   

Voting is not compulsory, but it strengthens your voice in local decision-making and improves democratic representation.

 Q: Does voting affect my immigration status?
A: No — elections and voting are separate from immigration processes.

Q: Can I vote if I am an asylum seeker or have temporary status?
A: Yes, as long as you are a registered resident and meet local voter criteria. 

Q: What languages are the ballots in?
A: Official ballots are in German, but informational guides may be available in other languages.

Q: Can German citizens vote?
A: German citizens vote in other municipal elections on the same day, but not in the KAV vote

Helpful external links:

• City of Frankfurt election office (official information)
   
• KAV information portal (Frankfurt.de)
   
• Election rules for Hessen (Wahlen-Hessen.de)
   
• agah-hessen.de (network of Ausländerbeiräte)
   
• Multilingual voter guides
   

Including these links builds credibility and helps users verify official details.