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The election for the new Bundestag will take place on 23 February 2025. Germans living on the Costa Blanca can also cast their vote - and conveniently by postal vote. However, there are some important steps and deadlines that need to be observed to ensure that your vote counts.
Who can vote?
All Germans of legal age who have either lived in Germany for at least three months after the age of 14 and whose last stay there was no longer than 25 years ago are eligible to vote. Alternatively, people who are personally and directly familiar with the political situation in Germany and are affected by it - for example by working for German institutions abroad - can also vote.
How to apply for a postal vote
Germans living abroad can only vote by post if they have actively registered in the electoral roll of their last municipality of residence in Germany. This application is mandatory, as Germans living abroad are not automatically registered in the register. The deadline for registration is the 21st day before the election, i.e. 2 February 2025.
Application: step by step
Choose the right formHave you lived in Germany for at least three months after the age of 14? Use the form for previous residences. Are you familiar with German politics in another way? Then you need the alternative form.
Fill in and sign the form: The application must be signed by hand. Digital submissions are not possible in most cases.
Send in good time:
The application must be sent by post to the responsible municipality in Germany. Allow sufficient time for the dispatch, especially if you are on the Costa Blanca.
Receipt of the election documents
As soon as your entry in the electoral roll has been confirmed, you will receive your postal voting documents directly from your municipality in Germany. These will be sent out as soon as the nominations have been approved and the ballot papers have been printed. Make sure you return the documents in good time so that they are available on election day at the latest.
Important tips for voters
Keeping an eye on deadlinesApply for your entry in the electoral roll in good time to avoid delays in postal despatch.
Use helpful resources: Detailed information, forms and instructions can be found on the Federal Returning Officer's website at bundeswahlleiter.de.
ELEFAND crisis prevention listSubscribe to the list of the Federal Foreign Office (krisenvorsorgeliste.diplo.de) to receive up-to-date information and notifications.
For Germans on the Costa Blanca, postal voting offers a practical way to take part in the Bundestag elections. However, it is important to take all the necessary steps in good time. Getting informed and organised early on will ensure that your vote counts and helps to shape the political future.