2023 Sozialwahl – for a strong community.

Welcome to the website for the 2023 Sozialwahl, the election for choosing the governing boards of social security institutions. This where you will find everything you need to know about the election: how it works, who votes for whom and much more.

What is the Sozialwahl?

It is the third largest election in Germany after the European Parliament election and the federal election.

Approximately 52 million people are eligible to vote for the social parliaments of social security institutions this year. The idea is that those who pay contributions and receive benefits should have a say in their social security matters.

What do I get out of it?        

Voting in the Sozialwahl supports the social parliaments. Acting in your interests, the social parliaments make important decisions on pensions and healthcare. They decide on the budgets for insurance companies, determining how your contributions are put to use. When it comes to health insurance, they also vote on elective tariffs and bonus programmes. In addition, the social parliaments make sure your insurance company provides a good service. For example, this could involve appointing volunteer advisers to answer your questions. There are many other benefits too. So, that’s what you get out of it.

Am I eligible to vote?

You are eligible to vote if you are insured under the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund or under an approved alternative health insurance fund (Ersatzkasse), such as TK, BARMER, DAK-Gesundheit, KKH or hkk.

In summary, people over the age of 16 who pay or have paid contributions can vote.

Who can I vote for?

In the Sozialwahl, there are lists with candidates to vote for. The candidates are themselves insured people, who are aware of people’s interests and work on a voluntary basis – independent of politics. This website provides an overview of all the lists as well as links to further information on the insurance companies’ websites.

How can I vote?

The election documents are sent by post. All you have to do is choose a list, leave a cross next to it, put everything in the red envelope and send it back. It’s free. Voters who are blind or have a visual impairment can request CDs and ballot paper templates. Please note that pension providers and health insurance companies only send ballot paper templates upon request.

Some health insurance companies are also making voting online possible for the first time this year.