Dresden’s Decisive Votes: Over 100 Ballot Papers Counted, But What’s the Verdict
Investigation into Suspected Voter Fraud in Dresden
Following the state elections in Saxony, the Dresden police have launched an investigation into manipulated ballot papers. According to the police, unknown individuals pasted a cross on several postal ballots and instead marked a small right-wing extremist party, Free Saxony.
Over 100 Ballot Papers Affected
More than 100 ballot papers are suspected to be fake, with the Department of State Security taking over the investigation and seizing two tampered ballots. The “Sächsische Zeitung” had previously reported on the incident.
Investigation Underway
The police are investigating all directions, including postmen and workers at two old people’s homes who could theoretically have been involved. The investigation is ongoing, with the Saxon state election authority examining the electoral consequences of possible manipulation.
Electoral Districts Affected
The tampered ballot papers were found in two electoral areas, 36011 and 36012, both located in Langebrück in the north of Dresden. The city of Dresden has confirmed the suspicion of manipulation in these areas.
Electoral Consequences
The Saxon state election authority is currently examining the electoral consequences of possible manipulation. The state election committee is expected to decide the results on September 13th. In electoral area 36012, the Free Saxons achieved a surprisingly high 10.2 percent of the vote.
Classification of Free Saxons
The Free Saxons are classified by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a right-wing extremist organisation. The party achieved 2.2 percent of the vote overall in the state elections.