In Bundestag elections, voters can make two crosses on the ballot paper.
The "first vote" is cast for a candidate from their constituency. There are a total of 299 of these constituencies in Germany, with an average of 280,000 people living in each one.
The "second vote" - despite its name, it is more important than the first vote: This is because the second vote determines the majority in the Bundestag - in other words, how the 630 seats in the Bundestag are allocated to the individual parties. With the second vote, voters do not vote for a person, but for a party and its state list. As we have a proportional representation system, the following principle applies: the proportion of seats in parliament corresponds to the proportion of second votes that a party has received overall.
However, only parties that have received at least five percent of all (valid) second votes or the most first votes in at least three constituencies get seats in the Bundestag.
You can find more information on this, second vote coverage and the five percent hurdle at bpb.de.
© Text: bpb.de
Now you know how to vote, but not yet what to choose? The Wahl-O-Mat could give you an initial overview. Which parties are on the ballot and what are their positions? All 29 parties standing for election have answered the Wahl-O-Mat theses. Now it's your turn: compare your views with the parties' answers.
Important: The Wahl-O-Mat is not a voting recommendation, but a source of information about elections and politics.
Democracy means diversity, participation and open co-operation. It creates the basis for innovation, trust and sustainable success. But none of this can be taken for granted - it is up to us to preserve and strengthen these values. Every vote counts to help shape the future and keep our democratic society alive. Therefore: Go and vote. Show responsibility and set an example for an open and diverse community. Your vote makes the difference!