Overview

• About 1.3 million eligible voters are casting ballots at 185 stations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on advancing climate neutrality to 2040 and on a three-year basic income experiment.
• Each initiative needs a simple majority and at least 20 percent yes votes of all eligible voters to pass, which equals roughly 262,000 approvals.
• An official assessment for the city finds a 2040 climate goal is feasible only with sweeping steps including banning gas and oil heating, citywide 30 km/h limits, full transport electrification and phasing out natural gas in industry.
• The income pilot would provide 2,000 representative residents €1,346 per month plus health insurance for three years, with initiators estimating about €50 million if implemented in 2027.
• The Senate and all parliamentary groups except the Left oppose both measures, and major business associations warn of job losses, higher costs and risks to Hamburg’s competitiveness.