Mayoral election in Bad Doberan: Jochen Arenz before decisive vote!

Mayoral election in Bad Doberan: Jochen Arenz before decisive vote!

Bad Doberan is preparing for an unusual mayoral election. Next Sunday, September 28, 2025, Jochen Arenz will ask for a second term of office, under very special circumstances. The independent mayor, who has been in office since March 21, 2019, is the only candidate and would like to defend his office without direct competition. NDR reports that Arenz won his first election in 2018 with over 55% of the vote and without a runoff against two competitors.

How does an election like this work when there is only one candidate? Voters only have the opportunity to mark “yes” or “no” for Arenz on the ballot paper – abstention is not possible. Voter turnout plays a crucial role here, because in order to secure election victory, Arenz needs at least 15 percent of eligible votes. In Bad Doberan there are around 10,779 citizens. To be moved, he must collect at least 1,617 “yes” votes, as well First seaside resort highlights. If there are more “no” votes, the office becomes vacant.

Voter participation and preparation

Preparations for the election are in full swing. Over 10,700 eligible voters from Bad Doberan and the districts of Althof, Heiligendamm and Vorder Bollhagen are allowed to cast their votes on Sunday. The polling offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Electoral notifications will be sent to those entitled to vote, which will also list the options for postal voting.

Arenz’s successes to date speak for themselves. His political involvement goes back to his time as a non-party city representative. Arenz, who was born in Düsseldorf in 1965, currently runs the Johanneshaus in Bad Doberan and has a decisive influence on the city's social life. He has already won three seats in the 2013 city council elections and is generally viewed as very popular. He is no stranger to the city, as he has been providing a point of contact for citizens on social issues for years.

Future projects in Bad Doberan

As mayor, Arenz is already planning several housing projects, including 106 apartments in the old mud bath. Of these, 46 units will be available specifically for social housing. This initiative shows his commitment to the city and is an important step towards social justice in Bad Doberan.

If Arenz suffers a defeat on Sunday, he will remain in office until March 2026 while city officials elect a new mayor. If this happens, Arenz could return to his old job as a social worker.

Next Sunday it will become clear whether the people of Bad Dobera will place their trust in him again and whether the voter turnout will be high enough to make a clear decision.