Youth Participation in Solingen: Digital Elections, School Yard Usage, and Democracy Promotion in March 2026

Youth Participation in Solingen: Digital Elections, School Yard Usage, and Democracy Promotion in March 2026

In March 2026, Solingen highlighted significant political developments for youth participation. The Youth City Council, during its 21st meeting on March 2, 2026, at the Youth Center in Solingen-Mitte, discussed topics that could shape the future of the young generation in the city of blades: the digital election of the Youth City Council, the revised school yard usage regulation, and participation in the federal program "Live Democracy!".

Digital Election of the Youth City Council: A Step into the Future

The digital election for the 14th Youth City Council is a milestone in the city's democratic development. Following a survey of 450 students, in which 70% voted in favor of a digital election, the Youth City Council plans to conduct the 2026 election in digital form. The election ordinance has been adapted accordingly to allow both digital and analog voting.

The digital election is conducted in accordance with the Basic Law: free, equal, universal, secret, and direct. Eligible voters receive personalized access data by post and can cast their vote via a secure online portal. For those without their own devices, publicly accessible computers are available in schools and libraries. A trial run and evaluation will determine whether the digital format is to be established permanently.

The Mayor is responsible for the preparation and execution of the election, supported by an 8-member Election Committee appointed by the Youth Welfare Committee. Voting rights apply to individuals aged 14 to under 21 with a primary residence in Solingen.

School Yard Usage Regulation: More Freedom, More Safety

The revised school yard usage regulation aims to make schoolyards multifunctional and safety-oriented. The goal is to actively involve young people in their use while simultaneously creating legal clarity. Ball games with soft balls, cycling, roller skating, and inline skating are permitted on schoolyards. However, vehicles with batteries or engines are not allowed, and the consumption of alcohol and drugs remains prohibited.

The usage is child- and youth-friendly: up to 14 years at elementary schools and up to 18 years at secondary schools. Supervisory responsibility lies with the parents; the city does not assume this duty. Schoolyards are available from Monday to Friday after school until 8 p.m. (at the latest until dusk) and during weekends and school holidays in limited periods.

The new regulation provides legal security and promotes social participation. At the same time, it is implemented through signage (approximately €500 per schoolyard).

Participation in the Federal Program "Live Democracy!": Promotion of Youth Participation

The Youth City Council has decided to participate in the federal program "Live Democracy!" to establish a "Partnership for Democracy" in Solingen. For 2026, a funding request of €140,000 was submitted, with the city contributing a share of €15,556. The goal is to actively involve young people in democratic processes and to strengthen their participation.

The funding period of the program runs until 2032, and the interim goals were set during a Democracy Conference in 2024. The Youth City Council recommended participation, as it is seen as an opportunity to anchor democratic culture in the city in a sustainable way.

Outlook: Youth Participation as an Investment in the Future

The decisions made in March 2026 demonstrate how seriously Solingen is taking youth participation. The digital election of the Youth City Council makes the process more transparent and accessible; the revised school yard usage regulation creates a youth-friendly public space; and participation in the federal program "Live Democracy!" underlines municipal policy as a pioneer in promoting democracy.

Although challenges such as technical disruptions or supervisory responsibilities remain, Solingen demonstrates through these measures how politics can be anchored in youth society—in a way that is youth-friendly, inclusive, and forward-looking.