Voters in two German states, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, are going to the polls today, 20 September 2026. The elections come two weeks after the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) achieved its highest ever result in a regional poll in Saxony-Anhalt.
The political future of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is uncertain, with the far-right AfD expected to further erode support from his Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Merz has been in power for 16 months, and the outcome of these elections could affect his ability to remain as leader.
Approximately 2.5 million people are eligible to vote in Berlin and nearly 1.3 million in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Polling booths opened at 8am local time and will close at 6pm. Merz has cancelled a planned speech at the UN General Assembly, with a government official stating his presence is required in Berlin after the elections.
Merz's personal approval ratings have fallen to 10%. He has resisted calls to resign and stated his intention to serve his full four-year term, focusing on economic and social welfare changes.