A high turnout of Germans in today's parliamentary elections shows the first figures announced by the Central Election Office. According to the interim calculation, most states show a slightly higher voter turnout than in the previous election in 2017, when 76.21.2% of eligible voters voted.
Of particular importance, it points out, is the high percentage of those who opted for the postal vote - including Chancellor Angela Merkel. According to the Federal Election Office, the postal vote could potentially exceed 40% of the total vote, when in 2017 it was limited to 28.6%.
However, the vote of Christian Union (CDU/CSU) chancellor candidate Armin Lassett will be counted as valid, despite the fact that it constitutes a ‘violation of the secrecy of the vote«, the Central Electoral Commission said. Mr Lassett, when exercising his right to vote earlier today in Aachen, folded the ballot paper in such a way that it showed what he had voted for, which is forbidden.
«A nationally known politician voted for his own party, as expected. He cannot therefore be considered to have influenced other voters,» the Central Election Commission announced, clarifying that the vote in question would not be cancelled.
