Germans permanently living abroad who are not disqualified from voting are entitled to go to the polls if,
- after reaching the age of 14 (which means from their 14th birthday), they were either resident in the Federal Republic of Germany for an uninterrupted period of at least three months and this stay dates back not more than 25 years
or
- for other reasons, they have become familiar, personally and directly, with the political situation in the Federal Republic of Germany and are affected by it.
You must have become “familiar” personally “with the political situation” in the Federal Republic of Germany directly and because of what you have experienced. Passively participating in communication, for instance by consuming German-language media abroad, does not suffice.
Your being “affected by the political situation” may result from the fact that you are currently subject to German sovereignty, but it is not restricted to that.
The municipal authority in charge decides whether someone is eligible to vote. An objection to this decision may be lodged in writing with the municipal authority or it may be dictated. A complaint about the decision then taken may be lodged with the district returning officer.
Legal bases
Article 116 of the Basic Law (GG)
Sections 6 (2), 6a (1) of the European Elections Act (EuWG) in conjunction with Section 12 (2) of the Federal Elections Act (BWG)
Sections 15 (2) number 2, (8), 17 (1) and (5), 21 of the European Electoral Regulations (EuWO)
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