Become an election worker

You can volunteer as a poll worker in your municipality. You can specify a desired constituency for your assignment. Your municipality will decide whether and in which constituency you will be deployed. It will take your wishes into account in the decision. It is possible to work as a poll worker outside your own constituency.

If there are not enough volunteers who meet the requirements to work as a poll worker for an election, the municipality whose electoral roll you are entered in can appoint you as a poll worker. You will then receive notification of the polling district and further information on the exact procedure on election day in good time before the election.

• You are 65 years old or older on election day for federal and state elections, 67 years old or older for European elections or older than 62 years old for local elections.
• You can credibly demonstrate that caring for your family makes it particularly difficult for you to hold office.
• You are unable to hold office due to illness, disability, urgent professional or other important reasons.

Note: You may be entitled to time off work or special leave on the basis of a law or collective agreement. Please check with your employer in good time before the election.

• "refreshment allowance" for federal, European and state elections: at least 35 euros for the chairperson and 25 euros each for the other members of the election committee
• Compensation in accordance with the statutes on compensation for voluntary work in the respective municipality in local elections
• Compensation for damage to property, if such damage is caused by the work as a poll worker

Training may take place before polling day. Polling assistants must be present at the respective polling station on election day before the polling stations open in order to make preparations.