Tight Deadlines for Mail-In Voting in Germany’s February Bundestag Election

Election officials urge voters to plan carefully as shortened timelines for mail-in voting raise concerns about timely ballot delivery.

The February 23, 2025 Bundestag election follows the dissolution of parliament after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote on December 16, 2024.
Election officials warn that the shortened timeline for mail-in voting may lead to delays in ballot delivery and counting.
Mail-in ballots must be mailed by February 20, 2025, to ensure they arrive before the February 23 deadline; ballots received after 6:00 PM on election day will not be counted.
Voters are encouraged to apply for mail-in voting early or vote in person to avoid potential postal delays, especially in regions where mail delivery may take up to three days.
The Federal Election Office emphasizes that voters are responsible for ensuring their ballots are submitted on time, with in-person submission options available at local election offices.