FAQ Referendum

In a referendum, the citizens of the municipality can decide on a matter that only affects the municipal area. However, before a referendum is held, the citizens of the municipality must apply for a referendum (citizens' petition).

The specific procedure

Signature lists were submitted to the city on March 10 to examine the petition for a referendum on "Preserving housing in Hindenburgstrasse and the surrounding area".

The Bavarian municipal code stipulates that the city council must formally determine the admissibility of a citizens' petition. After examining the 5,249 signatures collected by the electoral office, it was confirmed that the legally required minimum number of 4,228 valid signatures had been reached. It was also established that the content of the citizens' petition is also admissible. This was decided by the city council at its meeting on March 27.

The referendum must take place within three months of the admissibility decision. This period can be extended in agreement with the initiators of the citizens' petition. The vote will therefore take place after the Whitsun vacations on Sunday, June 29.

This procedure is regulated in Article 18a of the Bavarian Municipal Code.

The referendum has the effect of a city council resolution and can only be amended by a new referendum within one year. Exception: the factual or legal situation on which the referendum is based has changed significantly.

The referendum must take place within three months of the admissibility decision. This deadline can be extended in agreement with the initiators of the citizens' petition. The vote will therefore take place after the Whitsun vacations on Sunday, June 29. It will be conducted by the electoral office (citizens' office).

Everyone who is allowed to vote has one vote and will receive a voting notification. All those entitled to vote will receive this in the first week of June at the latest.

All persons who are EU citizens on June 29, 2025 are entitled to vote.

• are citizens of the Union
• have reached the age of 18
• have resided in the city of Erlangen for at least two months with their main place of residence
• are not excluded from the right to vote by criminal or civil court decisions.

All persons entitled to vote are entered in the register of citizens.

Everyone who is allowed to vote has one vote and will receive a voting notification. All those entitled to vote will receive this in the first week of June at the latest. There are two ways to cast your vote:

• Voting at the polling station
  The voting room where you can vote on June 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. is indicated on the voting notification. You must bring the voting notification or an identity document such as an ID card or passport.
• Voting by letter
  It is not necessary to go to the polling station. The vote is cast in advance by letter. The exact deadlines for applying by letter and by when the letters must be received by the City of Erlangen will be announced.
  
  
  

It is not necessary to go to the polling station on voting day (June 29). It is possible to vote in advance by letter or in person at the town hall. The exact deadlines for applying by letter and by when the letters must be received by the City of Erlangen will be announced.

The first results of the referendum based on quick reports are expected from 19:00 on the day of the vote. They will be available on the homepage.

They can be found in Article 18a of the Bavarian Municipal Code.