Bundestag election 2021: The postal vote simply explained

It can begin in Germany just under six weeks before the general election. In practice it works like this:
Who can vote by postal vote?
Basically all eligible voters, even without a specific reason.
How do I get the documents?
A form for applying for the ballot, which is required, is enclosed with the voting notification. And that should reach the electorate by the beginning of September. You should apply for a voting slip as early as possible.
What do you have to consider when filling out?
An enclosed information sheet explains how postal voting works: Tick the first and second votes personally and unobserved on the voting slip. Folds. Put it in the blue envelope and seal it. Date the affirmation on an oath instead of on the ballot paper and – very importantly – sign it. Put the blue envelope plus voting slip in the red envelope, seal it and throw it in the mailbox with no postage.
Can you be sure that the voice will also arrive?
Yes. The red color of the envelopes makes them noticeable and easy to recognize. It has been agreed with Deutsche Post that even election letters that are thrown in the mailbox the day before the election will be delivered on the Sunday of the election.
Are more absentee ballots than ballot box votes invalid?
In the last general election, 0.9 percent of the first votes and 0.5 percent of the second votes cast by letter were invalid. There were more in each case for the urn votes.
How many people actually vote by postal vote?
Since 1957, the proportion of postal voters has increased from just under 5 to almost 29 percent in the last federal election. Because of the corona pandemic, even more people could vote by post this time.