Urgent Call for Postal Voting Awareness Ahead of Federal Election

Concerns Over Postal Voting in Thuringia for Upcoming Election

Thuringia's electoral officer advises against postal voting for the upcoming federal election due to time constraints. The election is set for February 23rd, following a loss of confidence in Chancellor Scholz. Postal voting documents would only be dispatched on February 10th, leaving little time for voters to receive and return ballots. This short timeline raises concerns about potential delays, such as late mailbox emptying, which could impact ballot counting. Despite reassurances from Deutsche Post regarding timely delivery, electoral officials like Holger Poppenhäger caution against relying on postal votes. In 2021, 61.3% of voters used postal voting, but the current situation presents logistical challenges. Voters are encouraged to request their documents early, with applications open until February 21st. While the postal service commits to delivering on time, the tight schedule and reliance on municipalities and printing services add complexity to the election process.