German Carnival-Goers Allowed to Vote in Costume and Drunk

berlin, germany - German carnival attendees can vote in costume and intoxicated during parliamentary elections.

German Carnival-Goers Allowed to Vote in Costume and Drunk

German carnival attendees who wish to both party and vote in the parliamentary elections on Sunday are allowed to do so in costume and in an intoxicated state, according to guidelines issued for polling station staff. In many parts of Germany, carnival is celebrated on election day. The guidelines, distributed in December and available online, gained attention on Friday after being picked up by German media.

The official guidelines state that it is "basically possible to vote in costume." However, if a voter's face is not recognizable due to an outfit or makeup, polling station officials may ask the person to remove makeup or certain clothes to establish identity. Failure to comply will result in being denied the right to vote. The manual further states that only "heavily intoxicated" voters causing a disturbance may be asked to leave.

Polling station staff and election officials are advised to appear in "conventional clothing" to ensure their impartiality. They are allowed to decorate the polling stations in carnival style, as long as political symbols and election advertising are excluded. However, playing carnival music is prohibited to prevent external influences in the polling station and to maintain order.