130. Which ballot paper would be valid in a Bundestag election?

Answer options

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4

Explanation

The validity of a ballot is governed by the Federal Electoral Act (Bundeswahlgesetz, BWahlG) and the Federal Electoral Regulations (Bundeswahlordnung, BWO). In Bundestag elections there are two votes (first and second vote); on the official ballot only one unambiguous mark per column is permitted, and any symbol suffices if the voter’s intent is unmistakable. Ballots are invalid, inter alia, if they are not officially issued, contain multiple marks in a column, include additions or signatures, or otherwise compromise the secrecy of the vote. The layout reflects Germany’s system of personalized proportional representation and the electoral principles of Article 38 of the Basic Law (general, direct, free, equal, and secret).