According to estimations, half a million German eligible voters live outside the country's frontiers.
But only one in ten took part in recent federal elections, and the trend is heading downward.
This year, German parties are trying to change this trend by actively campaigning outside the country, especially through social media.
SBS spoke to Germans living in Australia. Most of them have decided to vote.
"I am still interested in German politics. I think it´s not just a right in a democratic country, but also a responsibility to vote. I also want to make an influence", says Voker Latus, who has been living in Sydney on a permanent basis since 2005. "Besides that, I want political stability in Germany. I also want to avoid extreme left or right tendencies."
CJ Delling from Sydney, a contributor to SBS with her satirical weekly reviews, has similar views.
"I call myself a super fan of democracy. I find it highly important to vote. I take part wherever I can. As a dual citizen in both Germany in Australia, I am allowed to vote in both countries."
Carsten Johow from Melbourne has used the postal vote in the past.
SBS comedian CJ Delling is a proud voter in both Germany and Australia. Source: SBS
"I will try to vote again this year. I want to take part in decision-making. It's not a difficult thing to do at all - you fill it out and put it in a letter box. You just need to do it on time. I receive the documents from the embassy or the consulate."
Crossing bureaucratic barriers is one of the main reasons to stay away from the postal vote, next to a lack of interest.
As a German living abroad, it's essential to follow some guidelines:
Am I allowed to vote?
German citizens are entitled to vote, if...
- They have spent at least an uninterrupted three months in Germany after turning 14 during the past 25 years
or
- If they hold close personal ties with Germany.
Potential voters need to be registered in the German electoral register, with an respective application to be submitted by the 3rd of September 2017.
A number of German finds is challenging to maintain an interest in homeland politics after decades of living abroad.
An elderly couple walks into a polling station in Herne, western Germany, on Sunday, May 9, 2010. (AAP Images/apn Photo/Joerg Sarbac) Source: AAP Images/apn Photo/Joerg Sarbac
Gary Roesch, who arrived in Melbourne as a child 44 years ago, says: "I don't think I am going to vote. I never did. I've been living in Australia for such a long time. I don´t vote in Australia, since I am still German. But I am not involved enough to vote in Germany."
Nevertheless, he supports the right to vote for Germans abroad: "Some are just away for a temporary time or they might return to Germany. Others might be highly interested. But I believe it´s important to catch up on politics before you vote, rather than chose a party someone´s father would have favored."
"Complaining is too easy"
SBS German also spoke to younger Germans. Most of them are in Australia on a temporary basis.
Robert (21) and his partner Franzi (20) have both decided to vote:
"I don't want to be one of those who complain about a standstill", Robert told SBS in Melbourne´s CBD. Franzi says: "Complaining is easy. But if you want a change, you need to become active."
19-year-old Sophie has decided to vote as soon as she knows more around the formalities.
German backpackers Robert and his girlfriend Franzi will both participate in the election Source: SBS
"I really want to get informed how to take part from Australia. I am going to be here for another year, so I really want to vote. It´s great to have the right and I think we should use it."
"Germany - too far away"
Other young Germans show less interest in politics away from home. For multiple reasons.
"I am not going to vote," says 21-year-old Nico, "it´s too complicated. Plus, I don´t really have a favorite candidate."
"I would be voting back at home, but haven´t really thought about it here in Australia. I was busy with other things to be honest. Germany feels really far away being on the other side of the world", 22-year-old Michelle told SBS.
Anne (31) agrees: "I won't vote, I've been living away from Germany since 2009. You start focusing on other things."
31-year-old Anne who works in a Melbourne travel agency won´t take part in the election after having lived abroad for eight years. Source: SBS
