By Bernhard Kirschner
Those who are not at home when the Bundestag election takes place on February 23, 2025 can apply for the documents for postal voting. This should be done early. Time is short.
The reason for the rush is the early federal election. The deadlines are a challenge for the authorities. For example, the postal voting documents cannot be sent out until the candidates and parties have been determined after a thorough review and can be printed on the ballot papers. That is the case at the beginning of February.
Application for postal voting possible immediately
The form for applying for an absentee ballot can be found on the back of the voter registration. It can be handed in at the town hall or sent there by post. There is also a QR code on the form that can be used to submit the application digitally. This is also possible online on the municipality’s website. Furthermore, you can now also request the documents for the absentee ballot by email from the relevant town hall. In addition to your name and full address, you must also provide the date of issue of your ID card or passport. The documents will then be sent to your home address or a holiday address.
Problems for Germans living abroad and holidaymakers
The completed ballot paper must be received by 6 p.m. on election day, February 23, at the latest. Otherwise, the ballot paper will not be considered. For long-haul travelers or Germans abroad, there is no guarantee that the ballot letter will arrive in time. The postal delivery takes too long. The Federal Returning Officer points this out: Federal Returning Officer | Bundestag Election 2025 Application form
That is why the Federal Foreign Office has offered the option of handing in the letter at an embassy. A special courier service will then take it to Germany.
More information using the example of Tübingen and Rottenburg:
City of Tübingen | Elections
City of Rottenburg | Apply for election documents
Further links:
Federal Returning Officer | Bundestag election 2025 Shortened postal voting period
Tagesschau | Postal vote
Tagesschau | Germans abroad
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