With state elections in Saxony-Anhalt approaching, baseless allegations questioning the security of mail-in voting are circulating online, predominantly driven by far-right voices.

Fears over mail-in voting security are resurfacing as the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt draw near. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), have become a hub for conspiracy theories, fueled by right-wing and far-right influencers. Some voices claim that the mail-in voting process allows administrative workers to manipulate ballots in favor of left-leaning parties, despite these assertions lacking any evidence.

Instances of election-related fraud in Germany have historically been isolated and unsystematic. For example, a man in Dresden tampered with mail-in ballots during the 2024 elections to benefit the far-right Free Saxons and, in some cases, the AfD. In another case in Bavaria, a former mayor was accused of interfering with mail-in votes. Nonetheless, studies and past election reviews unequivocally show that such incidents have not influenced outcomes significantly. Researchers have stressed that weaknesses in the system are logistical rather than foundational.

Experts maintain that mail-in voting remains highly secure. Eric Linhart, an election researcher at Chemnitz University of Technology, notes that the most significant risk comes from interpersonal dynamics, such as family members coercing others’ votes. Meanwhile, Christa Dieckmann, Saxony-Anhalt’s election supervisor, has stressed proactive measures to ensure election integrity. She highlighted ongoing evaluations and adjustments to the voting system to maintain public trust. Despite these concerns, mail-in voting has grown increasingly popular, with nearly one-third of voters casting absentee ballots during Germany’s 2025 federal elections.