Saxony-Anhalt Election: Tens of Thousands Apply for Postal Votes Amid Integrity Assurances

As the state election in Saxony-Anhalt approaches on September 6, postal voting is seeing significant uptake. In the two largest cities, Magdeburg and Halle, approximately 87,500 citizens have already applied for postal ballots, with many more expected before election day. This surge indicates a strong preference for remote voting among the electorate.

Magdeburg has recorded around 48,300 postal vote applications as of Monday, and officials anticipate this number to reach approximately 55,000 by election day. For Halle, nearly 39,200 applications have been received, surpassing the roughly 36,800 postal voters registered in the 2021 state election. These figures highlight a notable increase in the use of postal voting for this election.

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The electoral process is proceeding correctly according to the legal foundations.

Amidst these developments, election officials are addressing concerns about the integrity of the postal voting process. Tino Chrupalla, the AfD party chairman, had raised suspicions about potential irregularities. However, Halle's press spokesperson, Drago Bock, affirmed that the electoral process is proceeding correctly according to the state's constitution, election laws, and regulations.

State Returning Officer Christa Dieckmann also dismissed speculations about postal voting being insecure or easily manipulated. She stated that such general accusations are not new and are unfounded. Dieckmann emphasized that measures are in place to ensure only eligible individuals receive postal voting documents and that no person can apply for more than four sets of documents. Furthermore, election boards, composed of five to nine members, provide mutual oversight, and the counting of postal votes is conducted publicly and can be observed by anyone.

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These general accusations, regardless of who raises them, are not new. I do not share these general allegations and therefore expressly reject them.