Services

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 43 (2) of the European Electoral Regulations (EuWO)

Last update: 4 September 2018