Sausages, Election, Doesn't Matter: Vienna Sausage Stands Become Polling Stations

On April 21 and 22, 2025, five Viennese sausage stands will transform into polling stations for the "Pass Egal Wahl." Under the motto: "Because your voice matters," the Viennese sausage stands invite everyone to make a strong statement for democracy and inclusion. Because at the Vienna Municipal and State Election 2025, over 610,000 Viennese residents do not have the right to vote. This means that more than one in three people living in Vienna of voting age is excluded from voting due to citizenship. 

Everyone is welcome at the Viennese sausage stand

Viennese sausage stands have always been more than just a place for a quick meal. They are meeting points where social exchange and political discussions are a given. "With the Pass Wurscht Wahl, this tradition is taken to a new level," says Rene Kachlir, chairman of the Association of Viennese Sausage Stands and operator of the legendary sausage stand Zum scharfen Rene. "Our stands are not only UNESCO cultural heritage, they are above all a place for all people, no matter where you come from, everyone is welcome with us."

"Our sausage stands have always been places where everyone is welcome. With this action, we want to make that visible and show that democracy is more than an official stamp," explains Patrick Tondl, vice-chairman of the Association of Viennese Sausage Stands and operator of the sausage stand Leo, the oldest sausage stand in Vienna. "At the sausage stand, all Viennese have a voice, so why not also at the Vienna election?" adds Michael Lanner, who participates in the initiative with his trendy snack bars in Pfeilgasse and Spittelau. 

"Pass Wurscht Wahl" 2025 with prominent support

On April 21 and 22, 2025, symbolic voting can take place at selected sausage stands throughout Vienna. On both days, all interested persons can cast their votes at the participating sausage stands. The somewhat different polling stations will be equipped with voting booths, creatively and Viennese unconventionally. In addition to sausage creations and cold drinks, there will also be voting cards and one or the other program. The collected votes will be part of the Pass Egal

The initiative is accompanied by well-known advocates. Among the prominent supporters are: Jugo Ürdens, Fiio, Manuel Rubey, Simon Schwarz, Arash T. Rihani, Faris Rahoma, Aleksander Petrovic, Roman Gregory, Nunu Kaller, Magda Leeb, Gregor Seberg, and many more. The initiative is carried out in cooperation with SOS Mitmensch, who have been organizing Pass Egal elections since 2013.

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