Overview
- A cross-party coalition of CDU, SPD, Greens and FDP passed the constitutional amendment, with the AfD as the sole opposing faction.
- Before 16- and 17-year-olds can vote, the state must revise the Landeswahlgesetz and complete administrative preparations.
- The eligible voter pool is projected to increase by roughly 2.3% to nearly 13.1 million, according to the bill’s figures.
- Voting from age 16 already applies in NRW’s municipal and European elections, and several German states allow it for state parliaments.
- Supporters cite better youth representation, while critics including teachers’ association head Stefan Düll warn turnout may remain low and urge stronger civic education, and the candidacy age stays at 18.