In the upcoming mayoral election and also in other local elections, the poorest among us are forgotten
The regulations for local elections differ greatly from those for state elections
People living on the streets is something everyone in Frankfurt has probably already seen. According to estimates, 400 – 500 men and women are currently homeless and sleeping on the streets. Approximately an additional 3100 people live in shelters and transitional facilities.
Now the election for Mayor of Frankfurt is coming up, but according to the Hessian Municipal Code, those who “have resided in the municipality for at least six weeks” are eligible to vote. Since this regulation also applies to the election on 05.03.2023, homeless people are not allowed to vote for the next Mayor. Perhaps that is the reason why one does not find any statements on the web pages of the three candidates most likely to win, what they would like to do for these people. However, homeless people are strongly dependent on the politics, which is made locally. The policy that decides whether the facility that saves them from freezing to death at night in winter will continue to receive financial support in the future. Whether medical services will be offered or a permanent housing solution will be implemented.
“We wonder why the municipal electoral law is not at least aligned with the regulation of the state election? With such a change, people without residence who have lived in the city for at least 3 months would also have the right to vote. Homeless and homeless people should not be treated like second-class citizens – they should also be able to exercise their right to democratic co-determination,” says Britta Wollkopf, social policy spokesperson.
