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apply for a postal vote Wahlen, Engagement und Beteiligung

Are you entitled to vote and would like to vote in a different polling station or take part in the election by postal vote? Then you must apply for a polling card.

  • Basic information

    If you have received a polling card but cannot or do not want to vote in your electoral district on election day, you can apply for postal voting documents. The postal voting documents sent to you contain the polling card.

    The polling card is an official document. The polling card contains a declaration in lieu of an oath, which must be signed in order for your postal vote to be valid. In European and Bundestag elections, the polling card can also be used to vote at a polling station other than the one assigned to you. This is not possible for state and local elections.

    The polling card will indicate where and how you can apply for postal voting documents.

    If you are unable to use the designated polling station due to a disability, you can also apply for a polling card.

    If you collect your polling card and postal voting documents in person from the electoral office, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote on the spot. The electoral office will ensure that you can mark your ballot paper unobserved and place it in the ballot paper envelope.

    Requirements

    You are eligible to vote in the relevant election and are registered on the electoral roll. You can check whether you meet the requirements for eligibility to vote in the respective election on the website of the electoral office. You will find the link under "Further information" - "Information from the Bremen Electoral Office".

    If you are applying on behalf of another person: You must submit a written power of attorney. Please note that an authorized person can apply for or collect postal voting documents for a maximum of 4 people.

  • Procedure

    You can apply for your polling card as follows:

    • You apply for the polling card electronically (online application),
    • You come to the electoral office in person and collect your polling card there,
    • You submit an (informal) written application by post, fax or e-mail - you can use the form on the back of the election notification,
    • You ask a representative who has your written authorization to apply for and collect the documents for you.

    It is not possible to apply by telephone.

  • Necessary Documents

    • Providing personal data

      (Name, date of birth, registration address/main address, different shipping address if applicable)

    • Written power of attorney if a third person is to submit the application for you or receive your documents.

      You will find a template for completing the power of attorney on the back of your election notification.

  • Competent Department

  • Online Services

  • Fees / Costs

    There are postage costs if the application is sent to the electoral office by post. There are no other costs.

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    You will receive your election notification at least 3 weeks before election day. If you have not received it in time, please contact the electoral office.

    You must have applied for a polling card no later than 2 days before election day, 3 p.m.

    The completed postal voting documents must be received by the electoral office by 6 p.m. on election day at the latest.

    If you have applied for a polling card but never received it, you can obtain a new one up to 3 p.m. on the Friday before election day. To do so, please contact the electoral office.

    How long does it take to process

    Internal processing takes two days plus the usual postal delivery times depending on the destination address.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 04.11.2025

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