Reich presidential election

© Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin Election poster, Reich presidential election 1932

In the first ballot of the Reich presidential election on 13 March 1932, the incumbent Paul von Hindenburg stays just under the required absolute majority. He receives 49.6 per cent of all votes. His strongest rival for the office of head of state is Adolf Hitler (NSDAP) who manages to attract 30.1% of all votes. Not until the second ballot on 10 April do voters return the aged „victor of Tannenberg“ to office with 53 per cent of votes cast. Even the SPD, considering the threat posed by the national socialists, had called on its adherents to vote for Hindenburg. Their motto: „Defeat Hitler! Therefore vote for Hindenburg.“