Electoral matters

Information and explanations about the election

Certificate of eligibility

Candidates who wish to stand for election must prove that they fulfil the requirements for eligibility when submitting their nomination.

Detailed information can be found at:

Elections in Hesse

Election notification

The voter's notification informs the person entitled to vote about:

• Registration in the electoral roll
• Voting location
• Accessibility of the polling station

The municipalities send out the election notifications, which must be delivered to the person entitled to vote at the latest on the 21st day before the election. An application for postal voting or the issue of a polling card is printed on the back of the polling card. If the application for a polling card is sent to the electoral office by post, it must be sufficiently stamped.

The voter's notification should be brought to the polling station so that the electoral board can find the person entitled to vote more quickly in the electoral roll.

Loss of the polling card

If you have misplaced or lost your polling card, you can still take part in the election. However, do not forget to bring your identity card or passport with you to the polling station.

Special features

In some cases, e.g. if you move or live abroad, it may be necessary to actively inform yourself about your entry in the electoral roll. Information on this:

• Apply for entry in the electoral roll

Legal background to the election notification

• § Section 18 of the European Electoral Regulations (EuWO) - Notification of persons entitled to vote
• § Section 19 of the Federal Electoral Regulations (BWO) - Notification of persons entitled to vote
• § Section 6 of the State Electoral Regulations (LWO) - Notification of persons entitled to vote
• § Section 10 Local Election Code (KWO) - Notification of those entitled to vote

Apply for a polling card

You want to vote in the election by postal vote. In this case, you must apply for a polling card with postal voting documents. A valid polling card is a prerequisite for postal voting.

• Ballot paper

It is possible to vote by post before the election date and send the voting documents or hand them in directly at the Citizens' Service Centre or vote there. The administration will ensure that you can mark your ballot paper unobserved and place it in the ballot paper envelope.

• Postal vote

You can also apply for a polling card from your local authority before you receive your polling card. If you are unable to use the designated polling station due to a disability, you can also apply for a polling card.
 

Legal background to the various elections

• § Section 4 of the European Elections Act (EuWG)
• § Section 26 of the European Electoral Regulations (EuWO)
• § Section 17 (2) of the Federal Election Act (BWahlG)
• § Section 27 of the Federal Electoral Code (BWO)
• § Section 13 (1) of the State Parliament Election Act (LWG)
• § Section 13 State Electoral Regulations (LWO)
• § Section 9 (1) of the Municipal Elections Act (KWG)
• § Section 17 of the Local Election Code (KWO)

More info

Further information on the topic of elections can be found at wahlen.hessen.de