Writing implement in the polling booth
In accordance with Section 50 (2) of the Federal Electoral Regulations, a writing implement
shall be provided in the polling booth. Writing implements within the meaning of electoral law are
pencils (which do not have to be indelible), coloured pencils, copying pencils, ink pens, ballpoint
pens, felt-tip pens and the like.
It does not have to be feared that the principles of electoral law might thus be violated.
There are members of different parties in the individual electoral boards and the votes cast are
counted in public, so any manipulation on the part of third parties can be ruled out.
Should persons entitled to vote have reservations nevertheless, they may use their own writing
implement brought along, for instance a ballpoint pen.
Legal bases
Bundestag election: Section 50 (2) of the Federal Electoral Regulations (BWO)
European election: Section 4 of the European Elections Act (EuWG) in conjunction with Section
50 (2) of the Federal Electoral Regulations (BWO)
Last update: September 2009
©2012 The Federal Returning Officer
