Electoral register (local elections) – Apply to be registered as a returnee
An official electoral register is maintained by the local authority for each electoral district. This register lists all citizens who are eligible to vote on polling day.
However, people who are eligible to vote as returning voters are not automatically entered on the register by the local authority. They must submit an application to be entered on the electoral register.
Responsible authority
the town or municipality where your flat is located
If you have more than one home, your main residence is the deciding factor.
Details
Prerequisite
You are considered a returnee if you
- have had your main residence in the electoral area for less than three months,
- have lost your right to vote because you
- have moved out of the electoral area, or
- have moved your main residence, and
- return to the electoral area within three years and re-establish your main residence there.
The electoral area is
- for local elections, elections to the local council, parish council or mayor: the town or municipality;
- for district council elections: the entire district
- for regional elections: the entire area of the Stuttgart Region Association, the City of Stuttgart and the districts of Böblingen, Esslingen, Göppingen, Ludwigsburg and Rems-Murr
Procedure
You can apply in writing to the relevant authority to be included on the electoral register. Applicants who are unable to complete and submit the application themselves – for example, due to a disability – may seek assistance from another person.
Please note: Some local authorities provide application forms; depending on the local authority’s services, these may also be available to download online.
If your application is successful, you will receive a polling card as soon as possible. You can also apply for a polling card.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Deadlines
You may submit your application no later than 21 days before the election.
Required documents
Document confirming the following:
- the date on which you moved away from or transferred your main residence out of the electoral area, and
- your right to vote at that time
Please note: Such confirmation is provided free of charge by the local authority from which you moved away or from which you transferred your main residence to another local authority.
If you have returned to the same local authority, you do not usually need confirmation.
Costs
none
Processing time
Your application will be processed as soon as possible.
Miscellaneous
If you meet the eligibility criteria as a returnee but do not return to the electoral district until after the application deadline – 21 days before the election – you may apply to the local authority for a polling card.
Legal basis
Kommunalwahlordnung (KomWO):
- § 3 Absatz 2 und 3 Führung des Wählerverzeichnisses
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 30.09.2026