Damp voting slips and relocation spots

Inundations cause destruction and havoc. - Damp voting slips and relocation spots

Flooding in some areas of Bavaria has resulted in changes for the upcoming European election. In certain towns, polling locations had to be relocated due to damage caused by the flood. The affected regions include Aichach-Friedberg, Augsburg, Freising, Günzburg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, and Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, as informed by Bavarian State Electoral Officer Thomas Gössl.

In some instances, town halls were still inoperable, leading to the establishment of temporary local governments. Speaking with officials from these affected regions, it was determined that the election could proceed as usual.

Unfortunately, some voted ballot papers had been damaged beyond recognition, leaving them uncountable. For example, the administrative district of Schrobenhausen saw its ballots destroyed, as post boxes were submerged or water had penetrated into their local municipality offices. In these cases, the community issues new ballots and delivers them to eligible voters along with the rest of their voting materials. The prior ballots are then considered invalid to prevent double voting. Consultation with district election officers and federal government election officials from Baden-Württemberg and Thuringia was carried out during this process.

Voting can take place in the most straightforward manner by appearing at the polling station on election day. Voters who have already applied for absentee ballots are welcome to take their ballot papers and ID card to the polling location.

Those who have misplaced or never received their election documents due to the flood should reach out to their municipality promptly, apply for new documents, and pick them up. The easiest method in this instance is to utilize postal voting directly at the municipality by filling out the ballot paper there and returning it. Fresh ballot papers are still being issued in Bavaria until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, according to State Electoral Officer Gössl.

In addition to the European election, there will be a district council election, five mayoral elections, and 14 citizen initiatives happening in Bavaria on Sunday.

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1. Despite the challenges, the European elections are still scheduled to take place in affected areas such as Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, as confirmed by the German Press Agency.
2. Emergencies at polling stations may arise due to weather-related issues in areas like Freising, especially considering the ongoing flooding incidents in Bavaria.
3. Voters in regions like Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm should be vigilant for any last-minute changes or updates concerning their polling stations, given the present flood situation.
4. In accordance with local election law, voters who experience issues with their original ballot papers because of flooding in cities like Günzburg can request new ones from their municipalities.
5. Authorities in Fürth have set up emergency procedures to address any emergencies that may arise during the European elections due to flooding and related issues.
6. The German national weather forecasts predict a storm system passing through southern Germany, which may impact the elections in some areas such as Augsburg.
7. For those unaffected by the flooding, visiting their designated polling station in Schrobenhausen or other affected municipalities is as simple as presenting their identification card and ballot paper.
8. The District of Aichach-Friedberg has designated emergency personnel to assist voters who may require assistance, such as those with mobility issues, due to the flooding disruptions.
9. Information about the European elections is being updated frequently on reputable news outlets like the German Press Agency, ensuring voters remain informed about any changes or requirements related to their voting experience in affected districts.
10. Voters who still require access to their ballot papers in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm or elsewhere due to flood damage should contact their municipalities and arrange for them to be delivered, in accordance with the revised electoral guidelines.
11. To prevent confusion and ensure a fair and smooth voting process, officials in affected areas like Neuburg-Schrobenhausen are working diligently to identify and address any voting irregularities arising from the floods before the European elections commence.

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