Your voice matters!
In the Potsdam-Mittelmark District, citizens have many opportunities to actively take part in political decision-making. Find out here how you can get involved and help shape the future of the district.
Forms of citizen participation
Public question time : Your questions to the local council
Do you have concerns or questions about political decisions in the district? Then take part in the public question time during district council meetings. Here you can ask your question directly and receive an answer.
How it works:
- Every council meeting includes a public question time.
- Your question must be submitted in writing no later than seven working days before the meeting.
- During the meeting, you have up to three minutes to present your concern.
- If your question cannot be answered immediately, you will receive a written response within two weeks.
Citizens' petition : Put your topics on the political agenda
Would you like the district council to deal with a specific issue? Then you can submit a citizens' petition.
Requirements:
- The petition must be signed by at least 5% of residents aged 16 or older.
- The petition must be submitted in writing.
- An identical petition may not have been submitted within the last twelve months.
Once submitted, the council will discuss your concern at its next regular meeting. You will also have the opportunity to present your arguments in person.
Referendum request : Direct democratic participation
If you want to put a particularly important topic on the political agenda, you can initiate a referendum request.
Process:
- A referendum request must be signed by at least 10% of eligible voters in the district.
- After the signatures are verified by the district administration, the request is submitted to the council.
- If the request is rejected, a public referendum is held – all eligible voters decide on the matter.
- The result is binding if at least 25% of eligible voters take part and a majority supports the proposal.
How to stay informed and get involved
Before making use of one of the participation options mentioned above, we recommend seeking advice from the district council office of Potsdam-Mittelmark. There you can receive all the key information about legal requirements, deadlines and procedures.
Contact
Office of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District Council
Niemöllerstr. 1
14806 Bad Belzig
