Apply for correction of the electoral roll for the Bundestag election
Description
An official voters' register is kept in each electoral district. Eligible voters who are registered there with their main residence on a certain date are entered in the register ex officio and receive a polling card at least three weeks before election day.
If you would like to be entered in the electoral roll of a city or municipality in which you are not listed, for example because you have recently moved, you have the opportunity to apply for this up to the 21st day before the election.
If you have not received a polling card, you should immediately check with your local authority whether you are on the electoral roll. If this is not the case, you can apply to be entered. Once this has been done, you can also take part in the election and cast your vote on election day or by postal vote.
The city or municipal administration has not made an official entry for you in the electoral roll, although you assume that you are entitled to vote in the Bundestag election.
All Germans within the meaning of the Basic Law who
- are at least 18 years old on election day,
- have lived in Germany for at least three months or otherwise usually reside in Germany and
- are not excluded from the right to vote.
- valid identity card
- Proof that you meet the requirements for the right to vote
none
You can apply to be entered in the electoral roll up to the 21st day before the election at the latest.
You can inspect the electoral roll from the 20th to the 16th day before the election on working days during the general opening hours of your municipality. You can also request a correction to the electoral roll within this period. You can do this in writing or in person (for recording) at the municipality.
The voter's notification will be sent by post before the election. If you have not received one, contact the city or municipality and have yourself entered in the electoral roll.
Your written request for correction should contain the following information:
- Your first name and surname
- Your date of birth
- Your home address
- Your signature
- and the wording "Application for entry in the voters' register".
Special forms must be used to apply for entry in the voters' register for the Bundestag election by Germans living outside the Federal Republic of Germany; these can be downloaded from the website of the Federal Returning Officer.
If registration is possible, you will receive an election notification immediately. If you are not eligible to vote, you will also be notified immediately.
People who are unable to submit the application themselves can be assisted by another person. This may be necessary, for example, if the applicant cannot read or is physically impaired. The assisting person must then also sign the application.