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Electioneering, illegal

During polling hours, any influencing of voters is prohibited in or at all buildings in which polling stations are located. Voters can be influenced for example by word, sound, writing, image or the collection of signatures.

What should be regarded as entrance area depends on the location. Voters must be able to enter the polling station without their electoral behaviour being impeded or influenced.

Electioneering is illegal also in the direct surroundings of the building where voting takes place if its form and content may influence voters in casting their votes. This is the case, for instance, when loudspeaker announcements made outside the building are so loud that they can be clearly heard in the polling station.

The electoral board is responsible for maintaining public order in the polling station. If the ban on undue influence is violated outside the polling station during polling hours, the electoral board has to inform the party exercising proprietary powers and the local police authority, if necessary, which may call for the police to intervene.

Legal bases

Bundestag election:

Section 32 of the Federal Elections Act (BWG)

European election:

Section 4 of the European Elections Act (EuWG) in conjunction with Section 32 of the Federal Elections Act (BWG)

Last update: 1 February 2016