Mecklenburg-Vorpommern recruits thousands of volunteer poll workers for September election

Staffing levels across northern municipalities

Municipalities across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are finalizing volunteer rosters ahead of the state parliament election scheduled for 20 September 2026. Thousands of voluntary poll workers will manage voting stations, verify voter eligibility, distribute ballots, and count votes following the close of polling. In the state capital of Schwerin, election officials require around 800 volunteers across electoral districts 8 and 9. Rostock, the largest city in the state, requires 1,500 poll workers to staff its voting stations. Further east, Greifswald requires 500 volunteers to cover its election operations, while the city administration in Neubrandenburg reported that about 450 volunteers will be on duty on election day.

Municipal status in Stralsund and Wismar

Some municipalities completed their recruitment drives well before the four-week mark. Stralsund filled its entire quota of 320 election workers by late July, organizing personnel across 31 polling districts and 12 postal voting districts.

Peter Koslik, press spokesperson for the city of Stralsund, confirmed the dispatch of official notifications.

We have currently filled all required positions. The appointments for election workers have been sent out.

In Wismar, the city administration requires 296 poll workers across 28 standard and eight postal polling stations. By the middle of August, the shortfall in Wismar had narrowed to around 15 open spots, according to city press spokesperson Marco Trunk.

Compensation and refreshment allowances

Volunteers receive varying compensation, known as refreshment money (Erfrischungsgeld), depending on the municipality and specific duties. In Schwerin, electoral board chairs receive €45, while volunteers in all other roles receive €35. Rostock pays between €65 and €100 for ballot station duty and between €45 and €60 for postal vote counting, with an additional €10 provided for attending a mandatory training session. Greifswald offers between €45 and €80 depending on the assigned role, while Stralsund provides between €40 and €90 per volunteer.

Neubrandenburg recently increased its payment schedule to provide €120 for electoral heads and recording clerks, €110 for their deputies, and €100 for assessors. Neubrandenburg also awards a €20 experience bonus (Erfahrungszulage) to individuals who have previously served on an election committee. In Wismar, the city council is scheduled to formalize compensation in August, with a draft proposal based on the 2025 federal election setting allowances between €35 and €45.

Polling district logistics and requirements

To qualify as a poll worker, an individual must hold voting rights for the relevant state election. Although classified as an honorary civic office, public participation remains a fundamental element of the electoral system. Local administrations structure staffing around both in-person ballot boxes and growing postal voting logistics. Schwerin will operate 55 polling stations across the city, matching the total used during its earlier mayoral election this year. Greifswald is establishing up to 42 regular voting districts alongside up to 18 postal voting districts. Neubrandenburg will deploy its 450 volunteers across 38 regular polling districts and 18 postal voting districts to process ballots after voting closes. Rostock continues to register standby personnel to step in flexibly on or before election day should registered workers withdraw due to health concerns or unforeseen circumstances.