Vote and Marathon Create High Demand for Berlin Police on Sunday

Berlin Braces for Election Day and Marathon

BERLIN – On Sunday, more than 1,500 police officers will be stationed throughout Berlin as the city prepares for both a significant election and its annual marathon, expected to attract a large number of participants and spectators.

In light of past incidents of violence, including last December’s tragic attack at a Christmas market in Berlin and the 2013 Boston marathon bombing, police, election officials, and marathon organizers have been coordinating closely to ensure a secure environment for both events.

Authorities from the Berlin police and the Federal Criminal Police Office have reported no specific threats targeting the marathon or any of the city’s nearly 1,800 polling places.

To keep voters informed, Berlin’s state election office has mailed warnings to approximately 44,000 eligible voters, advising them that around 30 polling stations may be challenging to access due to marathon activities.

The marathon is set to conclude in the early afternoon, with polling stations closing at 6 p.m. local time.

Voter turnout is projected to surpass the 72.5 percent seen in 2013, driven largely by interest in a referendum regarding the future of Berlin’s Tegel airport, a significant transportation hub during the Cold War.

A spokesperson noted, "Voter participation was already quite strong in 2013, but we anticipate an even higher turnout this year due to the heightened interest in the Tegel referendum."