NRW municipalities are increasing refreshment allowances for election workers in the 2027 state elections

Several municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia are increasing the so-called “refreshment allowance” as compensation for election workers in the upcoming state elections in order to make the task more attractive. This was the result of a dpa survey in several large cities.

The search for election workers for the state elections on April 25, 2027 has already begun in many cities, others are planning calls starting in the fall. For example, in Düsseldorf alone you need 4,000 election workers for the state elections. In the last one (2022), the city paid an expense allowance of 40 to 100 euros - depending on the role on the electoral board. It is now 60 to 120 euros.

“By increasing the refreshment allowance, the city is reacting to the declining willingness of citizens to take on this voluntary position and at the same time ensuring appropriate remuneration for the effort associated with the office,” said a spokesman for the city of Düsseldorf.

Dortmund doubles refreshment money

In Dortmund, the city council more than doubled the allowances for election workers in the last year: assessors now receive 100 instead of 50 euros, the election officer 130 instead of 55 euros. This was successful, according to a city spokeswoman: around 20 percent more election workers reported for the 2025 local elections.

In Aachen, the refreshment allowance was increased by 10 euros to 50 and 60 euros respectively for the European elections. “This increase served to recognize long-term helpers and to increase the attractiveness of this voluntary service,” the city said.

By the way, the state electoral regulations provide for an even lower refreshment allowance of just 30 to 35 euros. This is paid out in Münster, for example. However, the municipalities can adjust the amount. The name “refreshment money” comes from the original idea that election workers should use it to buy food and drink for election day.