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Election and Social Research Monitor

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smarterpix / Fidaolga

Emotions in Democracy

Representative survey on the influence of emotions on political attitudes in East and West Germany

Emotions can be relevant to political attitudes and behaviour in many ways, especially fear and anger. The present study examines how widespread positive and negative emotions are and how they differ between voter groups. A total of eight different feelings are examined, three positive (happy, calm and composed, lots of energy) and five negative feelings (depressed, angry, overwhelmed, anxious, lonely). The negative emotions are examined in more detail and their influence on democratic attitudes is analysed.

Dr. Sabine Pokorny
September 24, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
smarterpics / Boarding_Now

Analysis of the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on 20 September 2026

Analysis based on preliminary results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

In the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD emerged as the largest party, ahead of the SPD. For the first time, the CDU failed to win a seat in a state parliament. Our election analysis provides explanations for the results, examining voter shifts and the key factors that influenced them. Drawing on exit polls and pre-election surveys, it explains the significance of voters’ assessments of leading figures, party capabilities and political issues for the election result.

Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
September 22, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / Emmanuele Contini

Analysis of the election for the Berlin House of Representatives on 20 September 2026

Analysis based on preliminary results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

Following the elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the 2026 election year draws to a close with a mixed picture that does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the 2027 elections. Our election analysis examines voter shifts and the key factors determining the election result. Drawing on exit polls and pre-election surveys, it explains, amongst other things, the significance of assessments of leading figures, party capabilities and political issues.

Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
September 21, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / Fotostand

Analysis of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September 2026

Analysis based on the final results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

In the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD achieved by far the best result in its history. Based on election day polls and surveys conducted in the run-up to the election, we explain the significance of assessments of leading politicians, party competencies and political issues for the election results.

Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
September 7, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / Ralph Peters

Voting behaviour by age and gender

An analysis of voting behaviour by age group and gender

When it comes to the distribution of votes, elections consistently reveal differences based on age and gender. Whilst some of these differences follow well-known age-related patterns, the federal election in 2025 also revealed new phenomena. The high levels of support for parties on the fringes of the party system raise questions about the extent to which these differences are also reflected in political attitudes and which issues are decisive for young people. Drawing on representative data, this study sheds light on current developments in the voting behaviour of young people.

Dominik Hirndorf
May 31, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / IlluPics

Desire to emigrate among the population

Representative survey on emigration wishes and motives of people with and without a migration background

The study examines the motives of potential emigrants. Which people are currently thinking about leaving Germany? What are their reasons for thinking about it? And to which countries would they want to emigrate? Are there systematic differences in motives and target countries between certain groups?

Dr. Sabine Pokorny
May 4, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / Westend61

Party affiliation and party affinity in comparison

Results from representative surveys

Classical party affiliation measures the attachment to one party only. However, the world is more complex. For this reason, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation has introduced a new measurement with party affinity, which also captures simultaneous sympathies. The study examines classic party affiliation, the new party affinity and the relationship between the two measurements. In addition, party affinity types are formed, which differ from each other in the simultaneous proximity to certain parties and the simultaneous rejection of other parties.

Dr. Sabine Pokorny
April 23, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / Zoonar

Analysis of the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate on 22 March 2026

Analysis based on the final result, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

The CDU has won the state election in Rhineland-Palatine. Our election analysis provides explanations for the results and examines voter migration and the key determining factors. Based on election day polls and surveys conducted in the run-up to the election, we explain the significance of assessments of leading politicians, party competencies and political issues for the election results.

Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
March 23, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
IMAGO / Arnulf Hettrich

State election in Baden-Wuerttemberg on 8 March 2026

Analysis based on final results, on the main determining factors, voter migration and social structure

The election results in Baden-Wuerttemberg are influenced by state-specific factors and differ significantly from the political mood at the federal level. Our election analysis provides explanations for the results and examines voter migration and the key determining factors. Based on election day polls and surveys conducted in the run-up to the election, we explain the significance of assessments of leading politicians, party competencies and political issues for the election results.

Dr. Viola Neu, Dr. Sabine Pokorny
March 9, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research
MAGO / snowfieldphotography

Poster, Online, Doorstep – Who was Reached by in the Bundestag Election Campaign 2025?

Representative survey on party advertisement in the general election campaign 2025: The perception of posters, flyers, social media ads, canvassing and other ways of campaigning

Parties put a lot of effort into presenting their issues and leaders during the election campaign. They use every means at their disposal: posters, flyers and information brochures, advertisements in newspapers and magazines, advertising on social media, street stands, and even personal contact at the doorstep. But what reaches the voters? Which form of election advertising do they remember? The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung conducted a representative survey on this question. The result in a nutshell: election advertising makes a difference.

Dr. Jochen Roose
January 26, 2026
Monitor Election and Social Research

Showing 1 to 10 of 50 entries.

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About this series

The publications of the Election and Social Research Monitor are part of our Monitor publication series. The Monitor series deals with one main topic at a time from the perspective of KAS experts and places it in the political and social context on the basis of a few key points.