In the run-up to the Bundestag election, not all eligible voters in Cologne will find it easy to exercise their right to vote, the Kölner Stadtanzeiger reported on Friday. According to the newspaper, some individuals who would like to vote will be unable to do so, citing examples of problems that have arisen.
One case involves a Cologne resident who was not registered to vote and was unable to obtain a ballot. The individual, who has lived in Cologne for around 12 years, had previously voted in European elections in June 2024, but did not receive a voting packet. After inquiring at the local customer center, he discovered that the city of Cologne had unlisted him from his current address without his knowledge or consent. The reason for this remains unclear, but the individual is attempting to obtain a confirmation of his current address from his landlord and submit it to the election office in time for his name to be added to the voter register.
Another case involves an 89-year-old senior citizen who is unable to physically attend the polling station due to age and her daughter requested a postal ballot on her behalf. However, the ballot arrived without a voting slip and the city of Cologne advised the daughter that her mother could collect a new slip in person at one of the five direct polling stations, but could not guarantee the timely delivery of new postal ballots.
The Kölner Stadtanzeiger reported that the city of Cologne is urging all eligible voters who have not received a voting notice to contact the election office immediately, either by phone or email. The newspaper also highlighted the importance of voters checking the accuracy of their registration and contact information to ensure they can exercise their right to vote.