Leistungen A-Z

 

Bitte geben Sie einen Ort (oder Postleitzahl) an, in dem Sie die Leistung suchen.

 
Bitte geben Sie einen Ort (oder Postleitzahl) an, in dem Sie die Leistung suchen.
Ort suchen

Apply for a postal vote

Are you entitled to vote and would like to vote in a different polling station or take part in the election by postal vote? You will need a polling card for this.

Your responsible authority

Please enter a town (or postcode) where you are looking for the service search place
  • Forms

    Forms available:
    Written form required: Yes
    Informal application possible:
    Personal appearance required:

    Online services available: Partially


  • Detailed description

    You have received a polling card but cannot or do not want to vote in your constituency on election day. In this case, you can vote by postal vote. You must apply for the necessary voting documents in advance.

    Where you can apply for the documents is indicated on the back of your polling card ("application for a polling card"). You can have the documents for postal voting sent to you or collect them from your municipality.

    If you collect your polling card and postal voting documents in person from your municipality, you can cast your vote there and then. You can also authorize a person you trust to collect the postal voting documents from the municipality. To do this, the person needs a written authorization from you.

    You can either send the completed postal voting documents to the electoral office or hand them in personally at your local authority.

  • Requirements

    You are eligible to vote in the relevant election and are entered in the electoral roll of your municipality.

  • Documents
    • Personal details (name, date of birth, address)
    • Written power of attorney (only if you are submitting the application for another person)
  • Fees

    There are no costs.

  • Process

    You will receive the following documents with your application for postal voting:

    • the polling card,
    • the official ballot paper,
    • the official ballot paper envelope,
    • the official ballot paper envelope and
    • the information sheet on postal voting, which explains how to vote by post.

    Postal vote by post:

    1. Mark the ballot paper in person.
    2. Place the ballot paper in the official ballot paper envelope provided and seal it.
    3. Sign the declaration in lieu of an oath pre-printed on the ballot paper and state the place and date.
    4. Insert the sealed official ballot paper envelope and the signed polling card into the official ballot paper envelope.
    5. Seal the ballot paper envelope.

    Send the ballot letter in good time by post to the address printed on the ballot letter envelope or hand it in personally.

    Vote at the polling station:

    1. Go to a polling station with your polling card and an identification document.
    2. Identify yourself.
    3. Hand over your polling card to the polling officer on site.

    You can then vote according to the instructions on site.

  • Deadline

    As a rule, you must have applied for postal voting no later than two days before election day, 6.00 pm.

    The election letter must be received by the municipality by 6 p.m. on election day at the latest.

  • Responsible authority

    The municipality of your primary residence.

  • Legal basis
  • Pointer

    If you are unable to cast your postal vote on your own due to a physical impairment or literacy problems, another person may help you.

    Your helper must

    • be at least 16 years old and
    • confirm in lieu of an oath that the ballot paper has been marked in accordance with your declared wishes.
  • More information
  • Approved

    Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Home Affairs

  • Approved date
    04.07.2023