The electoral principles are laid down in the German Basic Law. They provide that elections in Germany must be universal, direct, free, equal, and secret. These principles apply to Bundestag elections as well as to state and local elections.

The five electoral principles mean:

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Universal: All eligible citizens have the right to vote.

Direct: Voters elect their representatives directly, rather than through intermediaries such as the Electoral College in the United States.

Free: Voting decisions are made without coercion or undue influence. This also includes the right not to vote.

Equal: Every voter receives the same number of votes. Every vote has the same weight.

Secret: Eligible voters are not required to reveal how they voted. Voting takes place by secret ballot.