Services

Polling district

General polling districts

Municipalities with a population not exceeding 2,500 inhabitants shall generally form one polling district. Municipalities with larger populations shall be divided into two or more polling districts. The local authority itself shall determine which and how many polling districts are to be formed. The polling districts should be so defined in accordance with local conditions as to render the participation of the entire electorate in the poll as easy as possible. No polling district shall contain more than 2,500 inhabitants. The number of persons entitled to vote in a polling district must not be so small, however, that it is clear how individuals have voted (secrecy of the ballot).

Special polling districts

For hospitals, old people’s homes, retirement homes, nursing homes, convalescent homes and similar establishments with a sizeable number of persons entitled to vote who are unable to go to a polling station outside the establishment, the local authority of the municipality is to form special polling districts as required to enable polling card holders to cast their votes.

Legal bases

Bundestag election:

Sections 12, 13 of the Federal Electoral Regulations (BWO)

European election:

Sections 12, 13 of the European Electoral Regulations (EuWO)

Last update: 13 February 2023