On election day, March 8, 2026, approximately one million Munich residents will cast their votes for the Lord Mayor, the 80-member City Council, and 25 district committees. To ensure the voting process runs smoothly and properly, the city requires support at polling stations and mail-in ballot processing centers. Consequently, the city is currently seeking approximately 14,000 honorary assistants to help count votes on March 8 and 9.
Applicants for this temporary role must be at least 18 years old and hold either German citizenship or citizenship of another EU member state. Prior experience is not required, as the Election Office will prepare volunteers through dedicated training courses.
Compensation for Election Assistants
Participation in supporting democratic procedures is rewarded with a financial allowance ranging from 130 to 180 euros. The exact amount depends on the specific responsibilities within the electoral board. For these municipal elections, assistants will be deployed over two days: Sunday, March 8, and Monday, March 9.
Employers are legally obligated to release volunteer assistants from work on the following Monday. The city reimburses the employer for personnel costs (excluding civil servants). Should a runoff election be necessary, assistants may also be called to serve on Sunday, March 22.
Registration, Working Hours, and Duties
Registration is handled through the city’s specialized portal. Teams at polling stations and mail-in processing centers consist of ten people. Group applications from friends or colleagues are permitted for up to eight people; however, such requests can currently only be accommodated for mail-in ballot counting centers. These applications must be submitted by January 31.
On election day, a group known as the “Postal Voting Board” is formed. This team prepares envelopes for counting and determines the results starting at 6:00 PM. Specific tasks depend on one’s role within the board. Work typically begins between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. The exact arrival time and location are specified in the official appointment notice. The shift concludes once all ballots are processed and the official record is signed by all members present.
Participants are responsible for their own meals. However, free water dispensers will be available on-site, though volunteers must bring their own containers. The financial compensation is paid out approximately one week after the election.
Source: stadt.muenchen.de: Information for election assistants in Munich
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