What do the first and second votes mean in a Bundestag election in Germany?

The first vote elects a candidate in the constituency. The second vote is cast for a party’s state list and is decisive above all for the balance of power between parties in the Bundestag.

How does postal voting work in elections in Germany?

Eligible voters can request voting documents through the designated procedure and cast their vote outside the polling station. The documents must be completed correctly and reach the responsible office by the stated route and deadline.

Why do local elections differ across Germany?

State governments play a major role in shaping local electoral law. The number and allocation of votes, as well as the local bodies elected, can therefore vary from state to state.

Is voting secret in elections in Germany?

Yes. The secrecy of the ballot protects each person’s individual choice. Other people may not demand that someone disclose their vote or fill in a ballot paper where it can be seen.

Elections in Germany

In Germany, citizens elect political representatives at several levels. Elections are universal, direct, free, equal, and secret. The ballot papers and rules differ depending on the election, but votes always determine who may take political responsibility.

Tip

Before each election in Germany, find out which political level is being elected and what responsibilities it has. Read the official information, check your polling station, or apply for a postal vote in good time if needed. Compare political platforms based on a few issues that really matter to your decision.

bySophie&Jan

Elections give eligible voters in Germany the opportunity to choose political representatives. Elections are held for the Bundestag, state parliaments, local representative bodies, and the European Parliament, among others. Each of these elections concerns a different political level. Democratic elections follow fundamental principles. They are meant to be universal, direct, free, equal, and secret. No one may be forced to vote for a particular person or party or to reveal their own choice. In Bundestag elections, the German system combines the election of candidates with the election of parties. The ballot paper has a first vote and a second vote for this purpose. The first vote is for a candidate in the constituency, while the second vote is decisive above all for the composition of the Bundestag by party. In state parliamentary elections, eligible voters choose the parliament of their federal state. The exact design of the electoral system can differ between states. The official instructions on the relevant ballot paper should therefore be followed. Local elections concern political representatives in the local area, for example in municipalities, cities, or districts. Depending on the federal state, voters may have several votes and distribute them among different candidates. Local offices such as mayor may also be elected directly. In European elections, Germany’s members of the European Parliament are elected. This election concerns political decisions of the European Union and should be distinguished from Bundestag, state parliamentary, and local elections. Before an election, registered eligible voters usually receive a polling card. It gives the polling station and organizational information. People can vote at the polling station or by postal vote under the applicable rules. At the polling station, voters make their choice unobserved. The completed ballot paper is placed in the ballot box and later counted together with the other votes. Election workers ensure that the process is orderly and transparent. Elections make peaceful transfers of power possible and give political decisions democratic legitimacy. However, they do not guarantee that every individual opinion will be implemented. Majorities, minority rights, coalitions, and parliamentary deliberation are also part of the democratic system. People who are not eligible to vote or choose not to vote can still follow political discussions and get involved in other peaceful ways. Children and young people, for example, can take part in youth councils, student councils, or local participation programs. An informed decision begins with distinguishing the responsibilities of each political level from the different political proposals.