Senior election
Dear senior citizens with a history of migration,
Next year in March 2027, you will be able to vote for senior citizens’ representatives in Berlin or put yourself forward as a candidate – perhaps this is the first time you have heard about it. On this page, we explain what the seniors’ representatives do, how you can stand as a representative and how you can vote.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
A seniors' representative body - what is it and what does it do?
What is a senior citizens' representative body?
There is a senior citizens’ representative in every district. It is also called BSV.
The senior citizens’ representatives in their district advise politicians on everything that is important for senior citizens in Berlin.
Senior citizens are all people aged 60 or over.
There is a maximum of 17 representatives in each senior citizens’ representative body. These people work on a voluntary basis. This means that they do not receive any money.
The senior citizens’ representatives represent all senior citizens in Berlin. They bring their needs and interests into the political decision-making process. They mediate between senior citizens and various offices in Berlin, such as a district office.
What do the senior citizens' representatives do?
- They represent the interests of senior citizens in Berlin.
- They offer a consultation hour for senior citizens in their neighborhood.
- The representatives work in committees. Committees are working groups for specific tasks in the city. The committees for senior citizens are called Senior Citizens’ Participation Committees. Here they discuss the interests of senior citizens in Berlin.
What can the senior citizens' representative body do for me?
Perhaps you notice things in the district, e.g. that there is little shade or that you would like to have more benches.
Your opinion about your district matters because the city should be a place for all people. It is therefore important that you tell someone about these things. You can do this in the consultation hours of the senior citizens’ representatives. There is someone there who will listen to you and take your concerns (e.g. your wish for shade) to the political level.
The senior citizens' representatives are independent
The senior citizens’ representatives are independent. This means that
- The people in the senior citizens’ representatives do not earn any money from their work.
- Nevertheless, you take responsibility for your work.
- The people in the senior citizens’ representatives do not work for a political party or a religious community.
Further information and materials
- Take a look at this video! The video explains what a seniors’ representative body does:
Senior citizens can become representatives themselves!
If you would like to become a representative, you must be nominated. Here we explain how to do this, what you need to do and how working as a representative works.
Who can stand for election?
Anyone can stand for election to the senior citizens’ representative body in their district who
- are 60 years or older
- and live and are registered in Berlin
You do not need to have a German passport.
So: You can also stand for your district without a German passport!
When can I set myself up?
You can apply between 04.09.2026 and 02.10.2026.
How do I set myself up?
To become a representative, you must be nominated. This process is called an appointment proposal.
The appointment proposal must state:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your address
You write this in a letter. Put this letter in an envelope.
Write on the envelope:
- The address of your district office. Here you will find a list of the various district offices:
- You must also write on it: ‘Appointment proposal for senior citizens’ representative body – DISCONFIRMED’
You can either drop off the letter or send it by post. If you send the letter by post, you must stamp it correctly.
How long are you a representative?
An election period lasts 5 years. If you are elected, you will therefore serve as a representative for 5 years.
I would like to be set up, but I still have further questions or need to exchange ideas. Who can I contact?
How nice that you are interested! You are welcome to contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions and exchange ideas with you.
We are available from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on 030 25 389 287. You can also send us an e-mail to famipa@awoberlin.de.
Senior citizens can and may vote!
Senior citizens can elect their representatives in their own district. Here we explain who can vote, when the election is, what you need and when the election is.
Who can vote?
All people who
- are 60 years or older
- and live and are registered in Berlin
You do not need to have a German passport.
So: You can also vote without a German passport!
When is the election?
You can choose between 05.03.2027 and 12.03.2027.
There will be various dates
How and where can I vote?
You can either vote by post or vote on site.
We will inform you here in good time about the exact procedure.