Candidates in Germany have cast their votes in regional elections in the southwestern state of Saarland. The election is significant as it is the first of three regional votes ahead of a federal vote in September. Voting began at 8 am local time and runs until 6 pm.

Like federal Germany, Saarland is currently governed by a grand coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and the Social Democratic Party. It is the first electoral test for the Social Democrats under new leader Martin Schulz. Polls suggest a left-leaning alliance could emerge after the vote.