U16 election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania enables young people under the age of 16 to simulate elections before the 2026 state elections

Before a new state parliament is elected in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on September 20th, young people in the northeast who are not yet eligible to vote can show how they would vote. You can cast your vote in the U16 election from Monday to September 11th. Since 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to take part in the actual state elections for the first time, the accompanying election in 2026 will be held as a U16 election for the first time, the state youth group explained in advance.

Young people can use the Internet to find out where they can cast their vote in MV. “The U16 election is more than just a project - it is an opportunity for young people to experience democracy up close,” explained Tino Nicolai from the State Youth Council. “They deal with political issues, find out about parties and their programs and discuss their own concerns.” The election itself takes place like a real election: with ballot papers, voting booth, ballot box and anonymously.

Results in mid-September

In order to provide young people with guidance on the state elections, the state youth association has also created a brochure. It presents the parties' positions on issues that particularly affect young people, such as education, mobility, but also climate and leisure or youth participation.

The votes are counted by young people on site. The overall results will be published on September 15th.