You can volunteer as an election worker at your municipality. You can specify a constituency of your choice for your assignment. Your municipality decides whether and in which constituency you will be deployed. They will take your wishes into account when making their decision. It is possible to work as an election worker outside your own constituency.
If not enough volunteers who meet the requirements to work as an election worker come forward for an election, the municipality in whose electoral roll you are registered can appoint you as an election worker. You will then receive notification of the electoral district in good time before the election as well as further information on the exact procedure on election day.
As an election worker you are working on a voluntary basis. You may only refuse this activity for important reasons. Important reasons are, for example:
- You are 65 years old or older on election day for federal and state elections, 67 years old or older for European elections or older than 62 years old for municipal elections.
- You can credibly show that the care of your family makes it particularly difficult for you to hold office.
- You are unable to hold office due to illness, disability, urgent professional or other important reasons.
Notice: Due to a law or collective agreement, you may be entitled to time off work or special leave. Please check with your employer in good time before the election.
You may receive compensation for your work as an election worker. The amount of compensation varies depending on the election and the municipality, for example:
- "refreshment allowance" for federal, European and Land elections: at least 35 euros for the chairperson and 25 euros each for the other members of the electoral committee
- Compensation according to the statutes on the compensation of honorary activities of the respective municipality in municipal elections
- Compensation for damage to property, if such damage is caused by the activity as an election worker or election assistant