Apply for a postal vote

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.

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. These contain the polling card.

The polling card will indicate where 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 city or municipal administration, you have the opportunity to cast your vote on the spot. The administration will ensure that you can mark your ballot paper unobserved and place it in the ballot paper envelope.

Information on the election procedure can be found in the public announcements in the municipality's publication organ. Information can be obtained from the local municipal or city administrations.

• Provide personal data (name, date of birth, address)
• Written authorization if a third person is to submit the application for you or receive your documents

Forms available:
Written form required: Yes
Informal application possible:
Personal appearance required:

Online services available: Partially

You apply for a polling card at the office indicated on the polling card. Another person can submit the application on your behalf or receive your documents if you authorize them in writing.

• You are eligible to vote in the relevant election and are entered in the electoral roll.
• If you are applying on behalf of another person: You must submit a written power of attorney.

• Objection
• Further information on how to lodge an objection can be found in the rejection of your application for a polling card

You can apply for your polling card as follows:

• You go to the city or municipal administration in person and collect your polling card there,
• You submit a written application - use the form on the back of the election notification,
• You apply for the polling card electronically, if your city or municipality offers such a procedure (online application, e-mail),
• You ask a representative who has your written authorization to collect the documents for you.

It is not possible to apply by telephone.

You will receive your polling card at least 3 weeks before election day. If you have not received it in time, please contact your city or municipal administration.

As a rule, you must have applied for a polling card no later than two days before election day at 6.00 pm.

The postal voting documents must be received by the municipality 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 polling card up to 12:00 noon on the day before election day. To do this, contact your city or municipal administration.

There are no costs.

If you are unable to cast your postal vote on your own due to a physical impairment or literacy problems, another person may help you. Your helper must

• be at least 16 years old and
• confirm in lieu of an oath that the ballot paper has been marked in accordance with your declared wishes.

Further information on this topic can be found on the website of the Rhineland-Palatinate state electoral officer.