Low Voter Turnout in Erkrath’s Neanderhöhe Land Lease Referendum
The future commercial area of Neanderhöhe. Photo: LW
After the polling stations closed, the YES and NO votes for the citizen referendum are being counted. We report from the town hall on the results and initial reactions.
At 19:43, the complete result is revealed: Only about 19% of the citizens participated in the vote. Of the required 7,287 votes, neither side was successful (YES votes: 4,373, NO votes: 2,591), thus failing to reach the quorum. All results are available here.
Statement from Ralf Lenger, FDP, at 19:05: “We welcome the removal of the standstill at the commercial area, allowing the land to be marketed. We now have all options open.”
The quorum has failed as the necessary number of YES votes cannot be achieved even with postal voting. Mayor Schultz stated at 19:04: “We can look ahead. Every euro we earn through business tax does not have to be burdened on the citizens. In that sense, a good result for the city. By not voting, the majority has stood behind the council.”
By 18:55, after counting Trills-West, the participation rate stands at 9.97% – still below half of the necessary quorum of 20% of eligible voters.
As of 18:48, it appears that the quorum will be missed. There is no official assessment yet. Only a few party representatives have arrived at the town hall, with no representatives from the initiative present.
Results from Trills-West and postal voting are still pending as of 18:44. The number of postal voters could be crucial.
After counting 14 out of 17 polling districts, the participation rate rises to 9.69% by 18:36.
With 12 out of 17 polling districts counted by 18:31, the participation rate increases to 9.36%.
The first preliminary results are in by 18:21. YES votes lead with 65.18%, and the participation rate stands at 9.18% – less than half needed to reach the quorum. Counting continues diligently in the town hall.
The polling stations have closed at 18:00, and the counting begins. An initial estimate is expected around 18:30.
Pre-vote Activities and Anticipation
In the days leading up to the referendum, both sides, especially the NO faction consisting of CDU, SPD, and FDP, heavily campaigned on Facebook. The CDU released a video threatening potential tax increases with a YES vote. Conversely, the citizens‘ initiative for the YES vote published a video set to the song “I Need a Dollar,” warning against real estate speculation and vacancies.
The land lease referendum on Neanderhöhe is Erkrath’s second citizen referendum. The first vote on the development of Hasenwiese did not reach the required quorum. A valid citizen referendum requires at least 20% of eligible voters to cast their votes (either YES or NO). In a valid referendum, the side with the majority (YES or NO) wins. If the quorum is not met, the referendum fails, equivalent to a NO majority – resulting in no land lease on Neanderhöhe.
The anticipated higher participation rate this time is challenging to predict. Voter turnout in citizen referendums is often lower than in elections, but the impact of business revenue – unlike Hasenwiese – affects all of Erkrath. The development of Neanderhöhe was approved by the council in 2019. In 2020, a legal opinion deemed the citizens‘ initiative inadmissible. The initiative filed a lawsuit and won in 2021 at the Administrative Court of Düsseldorf. The city’s appeal was rejected by the Higher Administrative Court in May of this year.
Community Reflections and Next Steps
The outcome of the land lease referendum on Neanderhöhe in Erkrath reflects the community’s engagement and stance on future development. While the low voter turnout may indicate a lack of interest or awareness among residents, it also highlights the importance of civic participation in decision-making processes.
Despite the failure to reach the quorum, the discussions and debates surrounding the referendum have brought to light the diverse opinions and concerns within the community. The differing perspectives on economic growth, urban development, and environmental sustainability have sparked conversations that will continue beyond the referendum results.
Moving forward, the city officials and stakeholders involved in the Neanderhöhe project must consider the feedback from the referendum and address the underlying issues raised by the citizens. Whether revisiting the plans for the commercial area, engaging in further dialogue with the community, or exploring alternative solutions, the decision-makers have a responsibility to act in the best interests of Erkrath and its residents.
As the city navigates the aftermath of the referendum, it is essential to reflect on the democratic process and the role of civic engagement in shaping the future of Erkrath. While the outcome may not have been what some had hoped for, the opportunity to participate in such a significant decision demonstrates the value of community involvement and the power of collective voice in local governance.