Approximately 1200 individuals stepped forward to offer their assistance
In the historic Hanseatic city of Lübeck, preparations are underway for the upcoming municipal election and the election to the Senior Citizens' Council. As the election day approaches, the city administration, along with a team of dedicated volunteers, is working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process.
## The Organisation of Lübeck's Elections
The local election authority, primarily the city's administration, is responsible for managing and conducting the elections. Adhering to federal and state electoral laws, they oversee the entire process, from application to vote counting.
## The Role of Volunteers
Volunteers play a pivotal role in the electoral process, contributing to the smooth operation of polling stations and assisting voters. Their duties range from managing polling stations, setting up voting booths, and distributing ballots, to helping voters with any queries or difficulties during the voting process.
## The Postal Voting Process
For those who wish to vote by post, the process involves applying for postal voting documents, which can be done online, by mail, or in person at the local election office. Once the application is processed, the postal voting documents, including the ballot and a return envelope, are sent to the voter. The voter completes the ballot, places it in the provided envelope, and returns it to the election office. The envelope must be sealed and carry the voter's signature to be valid.
## Ensuring Security and Integrity
The postal voting process is governed by both federal and state election laws, which dictate the rules for voting, including postal voting. To ensure the integrity of the postal voting process, secure envelopes and strict handling procedures are utilized to prevent tampering.
## A Collaborative Effort
The Citizen Service Offices collaborate with the Election Logistics Office to print and send out several thousand postal voting documents. Up to 40,000 postal voting applications are expected to be received, and around 40,000 postal voting documents are to be sent out, each containing a voting card, a ballot paper, and other documents.
Approximately 240,000 people are eligible to vote in these elections, and the administration is responsible for ensuring that all postal voting documents are sent out correctly. The Election Logistics Office plays a crucial role in the printing and distribution of postal voting documents.
Mayor Jan Lindenau has expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the elections, emphasizing the importance of the volunteers' commitment to democracy. He also highlighted that without these volunteers, a well-organized election day would be difficult to achieve.
The municipal election and the election to the Senior Citizens' Council in Lübeck are shaping up to be a significant challenge for the administration. However, with the collective efforts of the local election authority, volunteers, and the citizens of Lübeck, the city is well on its way to hosting a successful election day.
In the midst of this civic undertaking, the local election authority, in tandem with dedicated volunteers, will collaborate to manage the upcoming municipal election and the election to the Senior Citizens' Council. The latter includes overseeing the postal voting process, a requisite for those who wish to participate in the electoral system remotely, and ensuring its integrity, in line with general-news and politics standards.
