No access restrictions for unvaccinated and untested people in the polling stations

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A couple is waiting for postal voting papers to be handed over in Hanover's New Town Hall

Photo: Julian Stratenschulte / dpa

To prevent the fourth wave from swelling further, either the 3G rule - or even the 2G rule - applies in many places in Germany.

Access to pubs, museums or events is only available for vaccinated and convalescent people, or in the case of 3G for those currently being tested against the coronavirus.

However, such restrictions in the polling stations should not apply to the Bundestag election in four weeks' time.

The Federal Returning Officer announced via Twitter that "as things stand", even unvaccinated and untested people could cast their votes on site.

However, depending on the federal state, a mask may be required on site.

In addition, the Federal Returning Officer referred to the possibility of postal voting.

Deutsche Post expects a significantly higher number of people to vote for the election.

"We'll see whether that will be in the high 40 percent range or even in the 50 percent range," said Tobias Meyer, Board Member for Post and Parcel Germany.

One should be prepared in the event that more than 60 percent of the voters use postal voting.

The Board of Management of Swiss Post expects that the highest volume of letters will take place shortly before the election.

Successor to Merkel

According to the Federal Returning Officer, anyone who still wants to vote on site but is then sent to quarantine at short notice can apply for a postal vote at the electoral office of the responsible municipality on election Sunday until 3 p.m.

If a written power of attorney is given, the postal voting documents can be collected from the electoral office by an authorized person.

In the election on September 26, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) does not want to run again in the race for the Chancellery.

Party colleague Armin Laschet, SPD top candidate Olaf Scholz and the green party leader Annalena Baerbock apply for the successor.

A total of 47 parties are standing for election.

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