Bundestag election: Knapped: How does the postal vote work?

Postal voting in Germany is becoming increasingly popular. In the Bundestag election 2021, almost half of all voters (47.3 percent) gave their vote by letter-however, this was at the time of the Corona pandemic and mask obligation in the polling station. But even with the European elections last year, almost 38 percent opted for postal voting. In the 2017 Bundestag election, the proportion was still 28.6 percent.

Is 2025 a little different in postal voting?

Basically not, only the time cushion until the election day on February 23 is much more tight. The Federal Ministry of the Interior has shortened the deadline by an ordinance. At the end of January, the ballot papers are in print. The municipalities are expected to start shipping between 6 and 10 and 10, 2025. There is no uniform nationwide starting day, so there can be regional differences.

Can anyone and any person entitled to vote by letter?

Meanwhile yes. In 2013, the Federal Constitutional Court confirmed the general approval of postal voting as constitutional in order to achieve the most comprehensive turnout.

Is postal voting complicated?

No. As a rule, the election notification has been arrived at the registration address at the main residence since mid -January. This is a form to apply for the ballot that is needed for postal voting. This can also be done online for many communities. After the application, the postal voting documents will come home by post.

This describes the further procedure precisely: the completed ballot papers comes into its own envelope and then together with the signed ballot in the enclosed red envelope. This is sent by post free of postage or brought to the printed address. The documents must have arrived on election evening until 6 p.m.

Is it different or faster?

Yes. Voters can also apply for their voting certificate at the municipality of their main place of residence directly and personally collect the documents later. If desired, you can then do your postal vote with the authority immediately.

Can I choose by letter if I live abroad?

Yes. Adult German citizens who live longer abroad have voting rights. If you no longer have a place of residence in Germany, you have to make an application to participate in the election. As a rule, the municipality is responsible for this, in which the last German home address was. The postal voting documents also come from there. Postal voting documents from abroad to the responsible body costs postage.

What happens to the postal voting documents in the community?

All envelopes remain closed by election day. Postal voting directors within the constituency are responsible for counting the results. From 3 p.m. there is a check whether election certificates are filled out correctly. The envelopes with the ballot paper remain closed until 6 p.m. They count the board members on election day after 6 p.m. They control each other. Your work is public – watching is allowed.

Is the postal fraud more likely with postal voting?

Large systematic voting fraud in postal voting in Germany has not yet been known. Requesting the documents with your own signature and later your own signature, including affidavit, are considered high hurdles on the ballot. Anyone who fells here is punishable.

In theory, however, postal voting harbors more risks for manipulations than going to the urn. It starts with the fact that nobody can be nearby when checking at home. Because the choice must be free and secret. The frequency of election errors and election fraud is difficult to measure after an analysis by the Institute for Parliamentarianism Research. Errors would not always be uncovered, and in fraud cases there is an incentive for the initiates of the incentive to keep the case secret.

In order to uncover possible mistakes and fraud, there is the election examination board of the German Bundestag. After each federal election, he accepts election appeals from the population, parties and election organs for two months from election day.