The goal of the Junior Election project is to familiarize students with democratic processes at an early age and to teach them about political participation in a practical way. In the Junior Election, young people simulate the entire election process—from receiving voter registration notices to casting ballots and counting votes. Students play a central role as election workers, taking on responsibility for organizing and carrying out the election.

Mayor Nino Haase presented the election workers with certificates as a token of thanks and recognition for their commitment to the Junior Election for the 2026 state legislative election: “I would like to sincerely thank the students for their dedication. They are taking on responsibility and demonstrating how important participation and engagement are for our democracy,” emphasized the mayor. “I would also like to extend my special thanks to the Sophie Scholl School and its principal, Dr. Irmgard Deml-Reißer, who, through this project, impressively demonstrates how democracy in action can be taught through the school.”

Dr. Irmgard Deml-Reißer highlighted the strong response: “The Junior Election project fits perfectly with our school’s interdisciplinary focus: democracy education. The high turnout and the students’ keen interest thrilled us during the first Junior Election at our school. I would also like to thank the election workers and our teacher, Mr. Yavuz, for initiating and organizing this Junior Election.”

(aga)