Postal voting and the right to vote in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt in 2026: deadlines, requirements and process

Until when can I apply for a postal vote?

Anyone who does not want or cannot vote at a polling station can vote by postal vote. A reason for this does not need to be given. The postal voting documents can be requested from the relevant municipality in writing, by email, in person and, in many municipalities, online. It is not possible to apply by telephone.

Voting slips and postal voting documents can be requested regularly until Friday, September 4, 2026, 3 p.m. In certain exceptional cases - such as a proven sudden illness - an application is possible until 3 p.m. on election Sunday.

However, the decisive factor is not when the voting letter is sent, but rather when it arrives: The completed voting letter must be received by the responsible office by September 6th at 6 p.m. at the latest. The voter is responsible for ensuring timely receipt. When sending within Germany, the state returning officer recommends sending the election letter by September 3rd at the latest.

Anyone who misses the timely mailing can still hand in the voting letter until 6 p.m. on election day at the location specified on the voting letter. Alternatively, you can vote at a municipal polling station with a voting slip and identification document.

Who can vote in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt?

Germans who are at least 18 years old on election day and who have had their main residence in Saxony-Anhalt or who usually reside there for at least three months are eligible to vote. The right to vote must not have been revoked by a judge's decision.

Specifically, this means for the 2026 election: Those eligible to vote must have been born on September 6, 2008 at the latest and, in principle, have moved to Saxony-Anhalt by June 6, 2026 at the latest. In total, the country expects around 1.69 million eligible voters. The final number will not be known until election day.

How does the election work in Saxony-Anhalt?

Every voter has two votes in the state election. With the first vote, a direct candidate is elected in their own constituency. A party is elected with the second vote. It has a decisive influence on how the seats in the state parliament are distributed among the parties.

In principle, parties that receive at least five percent of the valid second votes are taken into account. First and second votes are independent of each other and can, for example, be given to candidates and parties from different political camps.

Where can I vote in the state election?

The responsible polling station is listed on the election notification. Eligible voters should bring the notification and an ID card, passport or other official photo document with them to the polls.

Anyone who has misplaced or lost their voting notification can still vote. The prerequisite is that the person is registered in the electoral register of the electoral district. At the polling station she then has to identify herself with an identity card or passport.