In order to facilitate voting by a voter who is illiterate or who is prevented by a physical limitation from marking the ballot paper himself or herself, from folding it or from dropping it into the ballot box, he or she may be aided by another person. This person may be a member of the electoral board designated by the voter. The assistance rendered must be limited to the fulfillment of the voter’s wishes. The person rendering assistance is bound to maintain secrecy regarding any knowledge to which he or she gains access while rendering assistance. A blind or visually impaired voter may use a ballot paper template to mark the ballot paper.

Legal bases

Bundestag election: Section 33 (2) of the Federal Elections Act (BWG), Section 57 of the Federal Electoral Regulations (BWO)
European election: Section 4 of the European Elections Act (EuWG) in conjunction with Section 33 (2) of the Federal Elections Act (BWG); Section 50 of the European Electoral Regulations (EuWO)

Last update: March 2008