The right to vote and election principles in Germany

Who may vote?

In a federal election, anyone who is a German within the meaning of the Basic Law may vote. You must also be at least 18 years old on election day. The voting age is set out in the Basic Law and in the Federal Elections Act. Further rules, for example on place of residence, are also in the Federal Elections Act.

The right to vote yourself is called the “active right to vote”. The right to stand for election yourself is called the “passive right to vote”. Terms such as election campaign or electoral procedure mean something else.

Living in Germany alone is not enough to be allowed to vote in a federal election.

The five principles

Under Article 38 of the Basic Law, federal elections must be universal, direct, free, equal and secret. What this means:

• Universal: all eligible voters may vote.
• Direct: voters choose the members of parliament directly, with no intermediate step.
• Free: nobody may be forced to cast a vote or be improperly influenced.
• Equal: every vote counts the same.
• Secret: nobody can find out how a person voted in the polling booth.

The terms free, equal and secret are especially well known. Only when all five are met does an election count as democratic within the meaning of the Basic Law.

These principles are set out in the Basic Law and ensure that elections are fair.

Freedom also means: no obligation

An election is free when the decision is made without coercion. This includes being free to decide not to vote. In Germany, voting is a right, not a duty. Anyone who stays at home is therefore not breaking the law.

Nobody may suffer disadvantages because of how they voted. Accepting money for a particular vote is not a free vote.

The polling booth protects the secrecy of the vote. There, nobody can see how a person votes. Nobody has to disclose whom they voted for.

Regular elections and changes of government

Elections take place regularly. The legislative term of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) is four years. If the majority changes in an election, the Federal Parliament can elect a different Federal Chancellor (Bundeskanzlerin or Bundeskanzler).

In this way, the will of the majority of voters determines who governs. A change of government is thus possible without violence.

Democracy depends on majorities being able to change. Voters decide anew at every election. That is why regular free elections are among the hallmarks of democracy.

Standing for election

The passive right to vote is the right to be elected yourself as a candidate. Anyone who wants to stand must be an adult.

In a federal election you have two votes. With the first vote you choose a person in your constituency. With the second vote you choose a party.

On election day

On election day you cast your vote at the polling station. Anyone who cannot vote in person can also vote by post. The ballot paper shows the candidates and the parties.

After the election, poll workers count the votes. This voluntary work is an everyday example of taking part in the running of the state.

SourcesGrundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland↗Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland↗Wahlrechtsgrundsätze - Die Bundeswahlleiterin↗Aktives Wahlrecht - Die Bundeswahlleiterin↗