Overview
- The statewide mailing of roughly 2.75 million election notices began on Monday, August 10, and the briefwahl (postal voting) period and district briefwahlstellen have opened.
- Voters can request postal‑vote documents by scanning a QR code on the notice, using the state Wahlportal, by email or post, or in person at district briefwahlstellen where they may also complete and drop off ballots.
- A mailed ballot must arrive at the responsible Bezirkswahlamt by 18:00 on election day, 20 September 2026, to be counted, and a replacement Wahlschein can be issued up to 12:00 on 19 September if the original was lost or not received.
- Coverage shows conflicting application cutoffs reported as either 15 September or 18 September at 15:00, so voters should confirm the final application deadline with the Landeswahlleitung or the address printed on their notice.
- Briefwahl packets include a Wahlschein, official ballot(s) with envelopes, and an information leaflet, and Landeswahlleiter Stephan Bröchler warned voters that they must preserve ballot secrecy, follow the envelope and signature steps precisely, and plan early because about 45% of Berliners are expected to vote by post.