Deadline Passed: Alternatives for Munich Voters to Apply for Mail-In Ballots

The countdown to the upcoming Bundestag elections in Germany is on, with voting scheduled for Sunday, February 23. While many citizens prefer casting their votes in person at polling stations, others opt for mail-in voting. However, this year, voters in Munich face tighter timelines for securing their mail-in ballots.

As the election approaches, a crucial deadline for applying for mail-in voting in Munich has passed. Previously, voters had several options available for obtaining their ballots, but as the election week commenced, two of these methods became unavailable. The city of Munich has issued guidance indicating that the online application for mail-in ballots was only open until February 17 at 11 AM.

From that point onward, residents are encouraged to collect their mail-in ballots in person at the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR) or at designated district offices. The city has clarified that any applications submitted via postal service after this deadline may not guarantee timely delivery of ballots, placing the onus on voters to ensure they receive their materials on time.

Despite the elapsed deadline, Munich voters can still participate in the elections through mail-in voting by personally retrieving their ballots. The last opportunity to do so is until Friday, February 21, at 3 PM. Voters can fill out their ballots on-site and submit them directly into a ballot box.

Additionally, voters may authorize others to collect their mail-in ballots on their behalf, provided that the necessary documentation is in order. It is important to note that ballots can only be picked up at the specific location indicated on the voter notification card.

What Documents Are Required?

To successfully collect mail-in ballots, voters must present their voting slip and an identification document at the designated collection points. Ensuring that these documents are available is crucial for a smooth retrieval process.

Deadline for Returning Mail-In Ballots

For those who wish to fill out their mail-in ballots at home after picking them up, it is essential to return the completed ballots to the appropriate election office by the deadline. All mail-in ballots must be received by the election office by 6 PM on election day, February 23. Voters are advised to utilize official ballot drop boxes and special collection points over the election weekend to ensure their votes are counted.

For voters who have not yet applied for a mail-in ballot, there remains the option to vote in person at their assigned polling station, provided they bring their voting slip and identification. Interestingly, participants heading to the polls may even choose to attend in costume if they are planning to celebrate Fasching festivities afterwards, although they must adhere to the relevant voting regulations.