Eintragung in das Wählerverzeichnis für Wahlberechtigte ohne Wohnsitz in Deutschland beantragen (Bundestagswahl)

• § 18 Bundeswahlordnung (BWO) – Eintragung in das Wählerverzeichnis auf Antrag
• § 12 Abs. 2 Satz 1 Nr. 2 Bundeswahlgesetz (BWahlG) – Wahlrecht, Vertrautheit

As a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany who is entitled to vote, you are called to vote in the Bundestag election, even if you do not have a domicile or permanent residence in Germany. As you are not included in a voters' register there, you must apply to be registered.

Apply in good time

Please apply to be entered in the electoral roll in good time before the election, especially if you wish to vote by post. Once you have been entered in the electoral roll, you will receive the voting documents that will allow you to vote from abroad.

Tip: Many diplomatic missions abroad allow you to return the completed postal voting documents to Germany by official courier.

The application form and information sheets are available on the Federal Returning Officer's Internet portal in good time before the elections.

• You are not registered with any German registration authority for a residence within the Federal Republic of Germany.
• You assume that you are authorised to vote.

none

• Obtain the officially prescribed form (see "Required documents").
• Complete the forms in full (including the declaration in lieu of an oath), please follow the instructions on the application form.
• Indicate in the fields provided where the election documents should be sent.
• Sign the application and send it in good time by post or in person to the relevant municipal or local authority.
• The administration will send you the polling card and the election documents to the address given.

Applying with assistance

If you are unable to complete and submit the application and affidavit yourself due to a physical impairment or reading difficulties, another person can help you. Your helper must be at least 16 years old and must also sign the application and the affidavit.

• Application for entry in the electoral roll: no later than 21 days before the election

If a municipal authority does not grant an application for registration, the person concerned may lodge an objection against the decision in writing or for the record with the municipal authority. An appeal against the decision of the municipal authority may be lodged with the district returning officer within two days of notification. The appeal must be lodged in writing or for the record with the local authority.