Returning officer
Like the electoral committees, the returning officers are electoral bodies provided for by the Federal Elections Act. They ensure the orderly conduct of the Bundestag election within their area of responsibility.
In addition to the Federal Returning Officer, who is responsible for the entire electoral area, there is a Land returning officer for each Land and as a rule one constituency returning officer per constituency. A joint constituency returning officer may be appointed for several neighbouring constituencies.
Electoral officers are appointed for the polling districts.
Legal bases
Bundestag election:
Sections 8, 9 of the Federal Elections Act (BWG)
Sections 1 to 3 of the Federal Electoral Regulations (BWO)
European election:
Section 5 of the European Elections Act (EuWG)
Sections 1 to 3 of the European Electoral Regulations (EuWO)
Last update: 13 February 2023