Election workers make sure that polling runs smoothly on election day. The role is voluntary and often comes with a refreshment allowance. The basic rules for federal elections are set in federal law, while the details for state and local elections are set by the respective state and municipality.
Short answer: Electoral boards and election workers are appointed by the municipal authorities. The role is voluntary, and every eligible voter can be appointed. For federal elections the Federal Electoral Regulation provides a refreshment allowance of 35 euros for the chair and 25 euros for the other members (text on gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved November 2026).
Key points
- The municipality appoints election workers, and registering with the municipality is the usual route.
- For federal elections the refreshment allowance is set in tiers by the Federal Electoral Regulation.
- Travel costs are reimbursed under certain conditions.
- A refusal is possible only for specific reasons, and the municipality decides on the important reason.
- For state and local elections the state rules and the municipal statute apply.
Who can be appointed as an election worker?
According to the Federal Returning Officer (in German), the municipal authorities appoint electoral boards and election workers. Every eligible voter can be appointed, and no special qualification is required. The role counts as voluntary, and the municipality makes the appointment rather than you alone.
Whether a duty exists and when it applies is governed by state law. The Federal Returning Officer does not explicitly call the role a duty. How your municipality handles it is explained in Do I have to be an election worker as a student? Duties and exceptions.
Who may decline an appointment?
The Federal Returning Officer names several groups and reasons for which a refusal is possible. The table summarises the cases mentioned.
| Case | Refusal possible | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Members of the federal or a state government | yes | also members of the European Parliament, the Bundestag or a state parliament |
| Eligible voters who are 67 years or older on election day | yes | the age limit applies on election day |
| Important reason, such as caring for family, urgent work reasons or illness | yes, with proof | the municipality decides on the important reason |
Anyone who claims an important reason must prove it. The municipality examines the request, so it pays to respond early if you are unavailable.
How high is the refreshment allowance?
Under section 10 (2) of the Federal Electoral Regulation, members of the electoral committees and electoral boards may be granted a refreshment allowance. It amounts to 35 euros for the chair and 25 euros for the other members. It is offset against a daily allowance. The provision is published on gesetze-im-internet.de.
| Position | Refreshment allowance for federal elections |
|---|---|
| Chair of the electoral board | 35 euros |
| Other members of the electoral board | 25 euros |
A worked example
Assumption: you are a deputy member of an electoral board in a federal election and do not travel outside your electoral district. Under the Federal Electoral Regulation you would then receive 25 euros refreshment allowance. The sum follows the rules set out there and is not a claim to additional payments.
Travel costs and daily allowance
Under section 10 (1) of the Federal Electoral Regulation, anyone working outside their electoral district receives reimbursement of necessary travel costs. Those working outside their place of residence additionally receive daily and overnight allowances. The Federal Returning Officer also mentions travel reimbursement, but only under certain conditions.
For federal civil servants there is usually one day of paid release if only the refreshment allowance is claimed. For other employers this does not apply automatically, so clarify it with your employer early.
What applies to state and local elections?
The rules named here come from federal law. For state and local elections the requirements of the state apply, and the amount and payment of the refreshment allowance can differ from the Federal Electoral Regulation. The exact figure is in your municipality’s statute or from the municipal administration.
What to keep in mind as an election worker
An electoral board works as a body, and each member shares responsibility for a correct process. Good preparation prevents stress on election day.
- Keep the appointment letter and all documents from the municipality, as they confirm your service.
- Arrive on time and clarify in advance who chairs the board and what your tasks are.
- Document your travel costs if you are deployed outside your electoral district.
- Respect the secrecy of the ballot and follow the instructions of the electoral board.
If something is unclear, ask the municipality early. This saves time and helps you act with confidence on election day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register myself?
Election workers are usually appointed by the municipality. If you want to help voluntarily, contact the electoral office of your municipality, which will tell you which documents and deadlines apply.
How long does the duty last?
The duty essentially covers election day. Depending on the municipality there may also be preparation dates and briefings. The municipality states the exact time with the appointment, so plan the day early.
Is the refreshment allowance taxable?
This guide does not provide tax advice. Whether a payment is taxable is decided by the competent tax office in each individual case.
Can I simply refuse an appointment as a student?
A degree is not explicitly listed among the reasons, but it may count as an important reason, for example around exams. The municipality decides. How to plan volunteer work next to your studies is covered in Volunteering alongside your studies: planning time without risking exams.
Is election work useful on a CV?
Yes, if you take on responsibility in an electoral board. Describe the role and the period factually. How to phrase volunteer work well is explained in the article on volunteering on your CV.
How to proceed now
- Check whether your municipality is likely to appoint you, and keep the day free.
- Decline only for one of the reasons named, and document an important reason with proof.
- Clarify release time and travel costs with your employer before election day.
- Ask the municipality about the refreshment allowance for state or local elections.
Related reading
- Volunteering, voluntary service and engagement: the overview for students
- Do I have to be an election worker as a student?
- Expense allowance in volunteer work: is it counted against BAföG?
- Volunteering alongside your studies: planning time without risking exams
Sources: Glossary entry on election workers, Federal Returning Officer (in German) (retrieved November 2026), Federal Electoral Regulation, section 10 on expenses and refreshment allowance (in German) (retrieved November 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
