Overview

• The Wahl-O-Mat, an online tool by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, has been accessed 21.5 million times, breaking its previous usage record from 2021.
• The tool allows voters to compare their positions on 38 political theses with the platforms of 29 parties participating in the February 23 election.
• Critics, including political scientist Norbert Kersting, argue that the tool's reliance on party-submitted positions and limited answer options may mislead voters.
• Kersting has introduced an alternative tool, the Wahl-Kompass, which incorporates expert reviews and a five-point response scale for more nuanced results.
• The Wahl-O-Mat team defends its approach, emphasizing rigorous quality control and the inclusion of youth perspectives in its development process.