From the announcement of the election (about 8 weeks before election day). For National Council, Federal President and European Parliament elections, a written application is generally possible until the 4th day before the election; where an authorised person collects it in person, or for an oral application made in person, the official conditions allow deadlines up to 12:00 noon on the 2nd day before the election. Different deadlines may apply to provincial/municipal elections.

The municipality in whose electoral register the person is entered; in Vienna, the competent electoral office. Austrians living abroad can, where the official requirements are met, also have the application forwarded via an Austrian representation abroad.

For an application in person, an identity document; for a written application, credible proof of identity. Under the official rule, no additional proof of identity is required for an electronic application using a qualified signature/ID Austria.

Applications by telephone are not possible. Anyone who has received a voting card must also take it with them if voting at their own polling station. No duplicate may be issued for a lost voting card. Provincial and municipal elections can have different rules.