What do you need to know about postal voting? - March 22 Election Offers Postal and In-Person Voting Options
More and more people are casting their votes this way. Here's how to request the necessary documents—and what else you need to know.
In the 2021 state elections in Hesse, the share of postal voters reached a record high of around 66 percent of all voters. The pandemic likely played a role, as the election took place during COVID-19. But regardless, this method of voting has been growing in popularity for years.
In principle, eligible voters can exercise their right to vote either in person at a polling station on election day, March 22, or by postal ballot. To do so, they must apply for an electoral certificate, which is typically found on the back of the polling notification.
Multiple ways to apply
Applications for postal voting can be submitted in writing, electronically, or in person at the relevant local authority, no later than 3:00 PM on election day. According to the state returning officer, phone applications are not possible.
The postal voting materials include an electoral certificate, an information sheet with all necessary details, an official ballot paper with a ballot envelope, and a larger return envelope in which everything must be sealed.
Voters who choose to pick up their postal voting documents in person at their local municipal office rather than having them mailed can also cast their ballots on the spot. All materials must be received by the responsible authority no later than 6:00 PM on election day, after which the vote count begins.
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