Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on all citizens to cast their votes in the federal election.

In a guest article for the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, the head of state wrote: “Let's vote together - for a strong democracy and a good future.

Every vote counts - your vote counts.

So I ask you: Vote today! ”Democracy lives from interfering and participating.

“Whoever participates will be heard.

Those who do not vote let others decide for themselves, ”explained Steinmeier.

Election day was "an important day for Germany and a festival for all of its citizens," added the Federal President.

The voters now have the floor.

“You decide which direction our country should take in the next four years, which parties will represent us with what strength in the Bundestag, which government will lead our country.

You can have a say in how things will go on with the big and small questions of our time, ”wrote Steinmeier.

Germany is facing a political transition, but the challenges remain.

"In dealing with the corona pandemic and its consequences, in combating climate change, in digitization, education and care, in internal and external security and European cooperation," Steinmeier wrote.

Completely open race

A new Bundestag will be elected today in Germany.

Around 60.4 million eligible voters are called upon to cast their votes by 6 p.m.

The race is completely open.

According to the latest surveys, the SPD with Chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz maintained its narrow leadership in front of the Union with CDU leader Armin Laschet.

Chancellor Angela Merkel will not run for re-election after 16 years in office.

Due to the corona pandemic, a very high voter turnout is expected.

In addition, the citizens of Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are called upon to elect a new House of Representatives and a new state parliament.

A referendum is also being held in Berlin on the expropriation of housing stocks from large real estate groups.

However, the result is not legally binding for the Senate.