Wahlschein beantragen

Are you eligible to vote and would like to vote in a different polling place or participate in the election by absentee ballot? Then you must apply for a ballot paper.

If you have received an election notification but cannot or do not want to vote locally in your electoral district on election day, you can apply for election documents for a postal vote. These contain the ballot paper.

The election notification will indicate where you can apply for the documents for an absentee ballot.

If you are unable to use the designated polling place due to a disability, you may also apply for a ballot paper.

If you pick up your ballot and absentee ballot documents in person at the city or municipal administration, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote on the spot. The administration will ensure that you can mark your ballot unobserved and place it in the ballot envelope.

• Personal data (name, date of birth, address)
• Written power of attorney if a third person is to submit the application for you or receive your documents

• You are eligible to vote in the election in question and are entered in the electoral roll.
• If applying on behalf of another person: You must submit a written power of attorney.

There are no costs involved.

You can apply for your ballot paper as follows:

• You appear in person at the city or municipal administration and pick up the ballot there,
• You submit a written application - use the form on the back of the election notification,
• You apply for the ballot paper electronically, if your city or municipality offers such a procedure (online application, e-mail),
• you ask a representative who has your written authorization to pick up the documents for you.

It is not possible to apply by telephone.

You will receive the election notification no later than 3 weeks before the election day. If you have not received it in time, contact your city or municipal administration.

As a rule, you must have applied for the ballot paper no later than 6:00 p.m. two days before election day.

The absentee ballot must be received by the municipality no later than 6:00 p.m. on election day.

If you applied for a ballot paper but never received it, you can obtain a new ballot paper up to 12:00 noon the day before election day. To do so, contact your city or municipal administration.

If you are unable to cast your vote by absentee ballot alone because of a physical impairment or because of writing or reading 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 according to your declared will.

• Objection
• For more information on how to file an objection, see Rejecting your ballot application

• Ballot paper issuance
• Ballot paper can be applied for: Absentee ballot documents are sent by mail
• Voting also possible in advance directly in the city or municipal administration
• Application possible in person or in writing (e.g. by mail), in some municipalities/cities also online
• responsible: Municipalities/election offices

Please contact your city or local government.

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

Online services available: Partially