Germany has urged its citizens living abroad to register to vote in the snap general election scheduled for February 23rd. With the electoral timetable expedited, authorities are emphasizing the need for timely registration.
Applications for electoral registration are now open and can be submitted through local authorities. The Federal Returning Officer's press office confirmed the start of the registration process, addressing concerns for citizens not registered within Germany.
This call to action follows President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s dissolution of parliament on Friday, triggering early elections seven months ahead of the planned date. The move was prompted by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government and a subsequent failed confidence vote.
The Federal Returning Officer has also cautioned that the window for postal voting will be reduced due to the shortened timeframe. Consequently, voters are advised to return their completed ballots swiftly to avoid potential delays.
Typically, the municipality where an expatriate was last registered in Germany is responsible for mailing postal voting documents. This registration and voting process is vital for eligible citizens to participate in the upcoming German election.
