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Constituency or district returning officer

The electoral area is subdivided into several lower levels both geographically and organisationally. Various electoral bodies with different functions operate at each level.

The structure in Bundestag elections differs from that in European elections. There are constituencies in Bundestag elections only. Up until and including the 2021 Bundestag election, a constituency candidate was elected in each constituency. From the 2025 Bundestag election onwards, a constituency candidate will only be deemed elected in a constituency if the candidate’s party has received sufficient second votes. Constituency boundaries may differ from the boundaries of administrative districts.

By contrast, rural administrative districts and towns not attached to an administrative district constitute a single level in the electoral area breakdown in European elections.

Last update: 15 October 2024