The upcoming Bundestag election on February 23, 2025, is expected to be anything but typical. This early election has been triggered by the collapse of the coalition government, known as the Ampelkoalition. Additionally, it marks the first parliamentary election under the electoral reform that was enacted in 2023. Here's a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

Eligibility to Vote

All German citizens aged 18 and older who have resided in Germany for at least three months and are not disqualified from voting due to certain legal rulings are eligible to participate in the Bundestag election.

Voting from Abroad

Germans living abroad can vote if they meet specific criteria, such as having lived in Germany for at least three continuous months after their 14th birthday. To cast their vote, they must be registered in the electoral roll. Those not registered in Germany will need to submit a written application to ensure their eligibility to vote from abroad.

Who Can Run for Election?

Individuals eligible to run for the Bundestag must be German citizens who are at least 18 years old and not barred from running for office. Candidates typically enter the race through party affiliation, as parties nominate candidates for direct mandates in their respective electoral districts. While representatives must reside in the election district where they are nominated, candidates themselves are not required to live there.

Understanding First and Second Votes

Voters have two votes: the first vote for a direct candidate in their district and the second vote for a political party. The first vote determines who represents the district directly, while the second vote influences the overall distribution of seats in the Bundestag. Notably, the electoral reform abolished overhang and compensatory mandates, which previously allowed for additional seats based on direct votes.

Impact of the Five-Percent Threshold

To enter the Bundestag, parties must secure at least five percent of the second votes nationwide. Smaller parties often struggle to surpass this threshold, leading to perceptions that votes cast for them are wasted. However, representatives from smaller parties argue that every vote raises awareness for their issues, contributing to their growth, especially for parties achieving at least 0.5 percent of the vote, which qualifies them for state financing.

Electoral Districts

Germany is divided into 299 electoral districts, with an average population of approximately 240,320 per district. The boundaries are defined by municipal and county lines. Changes in population may prompt the reconfiguration of districts, ensuring relatively equal populations across these areas.

Changes Due to Electoral Reform

The 2023 electoral reform aims to reduce the Bundestag's size to a fixed number of 630 seats, enhancing its manageability and efficiency. Previously, the Bundestag expanded due to overhang and compensatory mandates, complicating its operations.

Consequences of the Early Election

Originally scheduled for September 28, the election date was moved up following the coalition's breakdown. The reduced timeframe for preparations means that parties and electoral bodies must expedite their processes, including candidate nominations and logistical arrangements. The election will also coincide with school holidays and festivities in various regions, presenting unique challenges for voter turnout.

When Will Results Be Available?

The first forecasts will be available shortly after polls close at 6 PM, based on representative exit polls conducted on election day. These forecasts will evolve throughout the evening as actual votes are counted and reported.

Mail-in Voting

Mail-in voting will be available for this early election, but deadlines for requesting and submitting ballots will be significantly shortened. Election officials are advising voters to consider voting in person to avoid potential issues with mail-in ballots.

First Session of the New Bundestag

According to the German Constitution, the new Bundestag must convene no later than 30 days after the election. This initial session will involve electing key officials and establishing the parliamentary rules of procedure.