Forms of Elections
This page explains various basic forms of elections.
Ballot Box Election
In a ballot box election, voters cast their ballots in person at a polling station.
At the polling station, a voter register is first used to check whether the person presenting is eligible to vote.
If so, ballot papers are handed out.
The ballot papers are filled in unobserved and uninfluenced by other persons in a voting booth. In justified exceptional cases, e.g. in case of disability, a person of trust may be called in.
The completed ballot papers are thrown into sealed containers with an insertion slot - the "ballot boxes".
After the polling station has closed on the last day of voting, the ballot boxes are opened under supervision and the ballots are counted, as provided for in the electoral regulations.
Postal Voting
Postal voting enables e.g. sick, disabled or otherwise prevented persons (e.g. during stays abroad) to participate in the election without having to appear in person at the competent polling station on the election days.
A postal vote can be ordered as the sole form of voting if a ballot box would cause too much effort.
Usually, the election documents are sent by post.
The completed ballot papers are returned in an anonymous and carefully sealed "inner" envelope. Together with a ballot paper containing the necessary personal details of the voter, it is sent in an "outer" envelope to the competent postal polling station.
After verification and confirmation of eligibility to vote, the ballot paper and the "inner" envelope are separated.
The anonymous ballot papers are sent to the counting of votes.
Election notices provide information on the exact procedure for postal voting.
Vote
A vote decides whether a matter is decided or not decided.
GrundO Article 12(version of 14.12.2022) regulates votes as follows:
- In general, a majority of the votes cast is required to pass a resolution.
- This majority is achieved if the number of votes in favour exceeds the number of votes against. In the event of a tie, the motion is rejected.
- Abstentions and invalid votes shall not be counted as votes cast.
- Outvoted members in bodies composed by groups of members may demand that
- their dissenting opinion be recorded in the minutes; and
- their dissent be recorded in the minutes, and that their dissent be attached to resolutions which are submitted to other bodies.
- A special vote must be announced before the vote and may only contain arguments that were also put forward during the deliberations. Special votes must be submitted in writing, with reasons, within a reasonable period to be determined by the Chair. Special votes shall be mentioned in the main report.
Online and Electronic Elections
In electronic elections, the vote is cast digitally. This poses challenges in terms of maintaining the secrecy of the ballot while at the same time ensuring that the vote can be traced and cannot be falsified. At the University of Potsdam, electronic elections are currently excluded.