Record participation of young people in political education project
In the U18 municipal elections in the science city of Darmstadt, The Left Party with 18 percent of the vote Alliance 90/The Greens followed in second place with 15.6 percent , just ahead of the CDU with 15.3 percent .
Further results: SPD 13.7 percent, Volt 8.3 percent, FDP 6.8 percent, AfD 6 percent, Die PARTEI 4.3 percent, Uffbasse 2.8 percent, Tierschutzpartei 2 percent, Darmstadt Gemeinsam 1.9 percent, Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht 1.8 percent, Freie Wähler 1.3 percent, Stimme für Darmstadt 1.2 percent and Wählergemeinschaft Darmstadt 1.1 percent.
Record voter turnout in youth election
The U18 local elections took place from February 27th to March 5th, 2026. A total of 2,656 young people under the age of 18 participated. This corresponds to a record voter turnout of approximately 15 percent .
Mayor Barbara Akdeniz emphasized the importance of participation: The high voter turnout shows that young people are politically interested and want to actively participate in the development of their city. The numerous events surrounding the election further supported this engagement.
Political education and participation
The U18 election is a political youth education project and is not representative. It aims to give young people the opportunity to learn about democratic processes and express their political interests.
A total of 25 polling stations available – including 13 in youth centers and 12 in schools , including two primary schools.
The election was organized by Jugendring Darmstadt eV in cooperation with the youth education center of the city of Darmstadt.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
