Polling stations in Bavaria have been open since 8 a.m. for the highly anticipated local elections. About 10.1 million eligible voters are expected to cast ballots across nearly 4,000 electoral contests that will decide the composition of municipal and city councils as well as district assemblies. The elections also include those for mayors and lord mayors.
These contests serve as a barometer for State Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) and his coalition with the Free Voters. As the final statewide vote before the 2028 state parliamentary election, a muted performance by the CSU could intensify internal pressure on Söder.
The elections bring a few procedural changes. The former maximum age limit of 67 for candidates who are full‑time mayors or district officials has been eliminated. Additionally, more mayoral positions will be occupied full‑time in the future. Eligibility to vote remains restricted to adults only.
