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If you are wondering “What do I need on election day?”, this question is quickly answered. In addition to the voter notification, you can take your own pen and sometimes even the already completed ballot paper with you.
On election day: You need these things on site
In addition to the increasingly popular postal vote, there is still the classic way of going to the ballot box at the polling station in your area. To cast your vote, you must have the following things with you:
- Polling card: You will receive these documents before each election, about four to six weeks in advance. It is a one-page letter-sized piece of paper in black and white, printed on a thicker paper. In addition to your details and information about the election, it also shows your constituency and the location of your polling station.
- If you have not received a voter notification by the 21st day before the election, please contact the municipal authority of your main residence. They will be able to tell you whether you are on the electoral roll and which polling station you need to go to. If you are on the electoral roll, you can also vote without a voter notification. However, you should still remember to bring some form of identification.
- Identification: This must be a so-called photo ID so that your identity can be confirmed. This means an ID card or a passport.
- Ballot: In some elections, you have the option of filling out the ballot in advance. If possible, take advantage of this and bring the pre-filled ballot to your polling station. This will shorten the time spent at the station and, for longer ballots, give you a better overview. Even if you do this, make sure that you fill out the ballot paper correctly and on your own.
- Pen: You may bring your own pen and do not necessarily have to use pens on site.
The procedure at the polling station
On election day, you must go to your polling station. As a rule, it is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The address can be found on your voter notification. Be sure to visit the correct polling station for your constituency.
- Present your voter notification and ID there. Your data will be checked and you will receive the ballot paper.
- In the polling booth, you mark your ballot. Make sure to clearly indicate which candidates or parties you are voting for. Vague markings will result in your vote being invalidated. Your choice must be clearly recognizable in any case.
- Fold the ballot paper so that your choice is no longer visible. Then put it in the ballot box.
This is how you fill out the ballot paper correctly
You must exercise care when filling out your ballot to ensure that your vote is valid:
- Be sure to read the instructions on the ballot. These instructions state how many crosses you are allowed to put and how you can distribute your votes.
- Place your crosses clearly and distinctly in the space provided next to the name of the party or candidate you want. Avoid other symbols, initials or other markings, especially away from the checkboxes, as this can quickly invalidate your vote.
- Do not write any additional comments on the ballot. Additional notes can also invalidate your vote.
- Fold the ballot so that your choice is not visible before you put it in the ballot box.
