Applying to be included on the electoral register (local elections) when moving house
An official electoral register is maintained by the local authority for each electoral district. This register lists all persons who are eligible to vote on polling day.
Voters who are registered as having their main residence in the local authority area six weeks before the election are automatically included on the register.
If you move out of the relevant electoral area (for example, the local authority or district) after that, you will lose your right to vote in that particular election and will be removed from the electoral register.
If you move within the electoral area, you will remain on the existing electoral register.
You can vote at your previous polling station or by postal vote.
If you would prefer to vote in your new municipality of residence in the district council election or the election to the Regional Assembly of the Stuttgart Region Association, you must submit an application there to be entered on the electoral register.
Responsible authority
The town or borough where your new flat is located.
If you have more than one flat, your main residence is the deciding factor.
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
- You are registered on the electoral roll.
- You are moving to another municipality or relocating your main residence to another municipality which is situated in the same district as your previous municipality of residence or, like your previous municipality of residence, lies within the area of the Stuttgart Region Association (the city of Stuttgart and the districts of Böblingen, Esslingen, Göppingen, Ludwigsburg and Rems-Murr District).
- You must register with the registration office of your new municipality of residence by the 21st day before the election.
- Your previous municipality of residence has not yet issued you with a polling card for postal voting.
Procedure
You can apply in writing to the relevant authority to be included on the electoral register. Applicants who are unable to complete and submit the application themselves – for example, due to a disability – may ask another person to assist them.
Please note: Some local authorities provide application forms, which may also be available to download online, depending on the local authority’s services.
If registration is possible, you will receive a polling card as soon as possible.
You can also apply for a polling card. At the same time, you will be removed from the electoral register of your previous municipality of residence.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Deadlines
You may submit your application no later than 21 days before the election.
Required documents
- Certificate confirming your registration in your new local authority
- identity document, if applicable
Costs
None
Miscellaneous
If you move within the same local authority, you will not normally be transferred to the electoral register of the electoral district in which your new main residence is located.
The only exception to this is if your move within the municipality affects your eligibility to vote in the local council election.
If you re-register with the registration authority at least 16 days before the election, you will be entered into the new electoral roll without having to submit an application.
If you change your address at a later date, you can apply to the local authority for a polling card for the local council election in your new neighbourhood.
Legal basis
- § 3a Fortschreibung des Wählerverzeichnisses bei Umzug
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 21.08.2026