The electoral law and the electoral system

The members of the Bavarian State Parliament are elected in general, equal, direct and secret election by secret ballot according to an improved proportional representation (PR) system by citizens eligible to vote in the Bavarian State elections. The electoral term lasts five years.

All eligible voters have two votes. With their first vote, they choose one candidate from one party for their ward. The second vote is given to a candidate from constituency lists compiled by the parties before the election. Unlike in federal elections, first and second votes are equivalent for the proportional distribution of the seats among the parties.