From 8 a.m. on election day, polling stations across Hessen have been open. Nearly 4.7 million eligible voters are expected to decide on the makeup of district councils, city council general assemblies, municipal councils, and local advisory boards for the term that runs until 2031.
At the same time, four municipalities are holding citizen ballots, and more than 20 municipalities are conducting direct elections for mayors. The city of Hanau, which regained district‑free status in 2026, is also electing a chief mayor. Any required second rounds are scheduled for March 29.
Voters must be EU citizens who are at least 18 years old on election day and have resided in the municipality for at least six weeks. The date on which the statewide results will be finalized remains uncertain-it could take several days, as has happened in Bavaria.
