Bundestag election: What is allowed – and what is prohibited?

The early Bundestag election will take place in a few days. Anyone who has not chosen by postal voting will be asked to vote in the assigned polling station. Among the voters are also around 2.3 million young people who can vote for the first time. How the choice works, what is allowed and what is not, read here:

The election for the 21st German Bundestag will take place on Sunday, February 23. The polling stations are open from the morning at eight to evening at 6 p.m. After the polling stations are closed, the first forecasts for the result are published. The Bundestag then has to come together until the 30th day after the election for its constituent session, i.e. at the latest on March 25th.

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The choice must take place in general, immediately, free, equal and secret. That means: everyone can choose if they meet the requirements for this. The deputies are elected directly and not about electoral as in the United States. Everyone can decide on their own choice, each vote counts the same, and the choice is anonymous. There is no elective. Voters also have the right not to choose.

The candidate or the candidate, who should represent his own constituency in the Bundestag, is elected via the first vote to find the left. With the second vote, on the right on the ballot, the state lists of the parties are elected. This result ultimately decides how many MPs can send a party to the Bundestag.

The will of the voter must be recognizable without any doubt – if it is not, the voice is invalid. In addition to crosses, hooks or points are usually allowed. The labeling can also be done in addition to the intended circle if the assignment is clear. Coloring the circle is usually also allowed. If in doubt, the respective election board decides on the validity or invalidity of the voice.

Smileys and license plates are not allowed on the ballot. In addition, the voice becomes invalid if the note contains additives or reservations, so if your own written comments or explanations are made. Also not allowed is everything that allows conclusions about the identity of the voter. Selfies and video recordings in the electoral booth are prohibited.

Which polling station must be consulted is the election notification that all voters received. Most of them are kindergartens, schools or other public institutions that are converted into polling stations. The election notification should be taken to the polling station, and an ID is required, i.e. ID card or passport.

Then you can still choose – in any case, he or she must be able to identify himself. If you no longer know which polling station is right because of the lost notification, you can see on the Internet: To do this, the polling station finder of the respective city or community or the side of the state election manager must be called up and your own address.

The right to vote is inclusive. This means that people with disabilities and care also choose. He or she can then be helped to fill out the ballot papers, even in the electoral booth. Anyone who helps and thereby experience the election decision must keep it secret. A deputy voting is not allowed.