Over the next three weeks, we want to hear your thoughts, hopes and fears on the crucial vote. Noack will reply to responses directly while broadcasting daily updates and occasional polls.

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2017's likely last major election in Europe comes after Emmanuel Macron defeated the far right in France and after British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered losses in an election she had called for herself. In Germany, a fourth term for Chancellor Angela Merkel — who has now been in office for over a decade — appears increasingly likely. Her challenger, Social Democrat Martin Schulz, has so far failed to build on the momentum his party had hoped would secure a win.

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How it works

Using WhatsBroadcast as our service provider, subscribers can select exactly where they want to receive updates. Updates are available in both German and English on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Telegram. The broadcast list launches on Sept. 4 and runs through election night. Subscribers will be given a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to build a story from scratch at The Washington Post. We will also kick-start discussions around the election and hope to highlight some of them in future coverage.

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How to subscribe

You can subscribe to receive updates directly to your smartphone here.

If you want to subscribe via WhatsApp, simply add the number shown here as a contact in your phone and send the word “start” to activate the messages.

To subscribe via Telegram, please search for our contact called “WashingtonPostGermanElection_bot” in the app, and text “start” in order to receive updates.

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If you prefer to subscribe to updates via Facebook Messenger, please send the word “start” to our Facebook page washingtonpostworld.

I don't use these messaging apps but want to receive updates. What should I do?

WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Telegram are all available to download via the app store on your mobile device. You can select to receive updates on all of these platforms or just one or two.

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How many updates will I receive?

We aim to broadcast updates and kick-start discussions daily. You will not receive more than two messages per day.

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Any message you send us will be received directly and will not be seen by other subscribers. Please note that while other subscribers won't directly receive or be able to read your reply, we may choose to share your views and responses with our readers both on and offline and in our reporting.

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How will my phone number be used?

The Washington Post will use your phone number for the purposes of creating and distributing updates as part of our project on the German election. Your number will not be used in relation to any other Post project. You can review the privacy policy of WhatsBroadcast here.

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