Virtually all polling stations across the Netherlands have been open since 7.30 a.m. In total, there are 9,964 voting locations nationwide. At some locations, voting has been possible since midnight.
Other polling stations opened later in the morning. At Aalten station, for example, voting began at 5.15 a.m. A small number will open later in the day. At the Nijverdal station, votes can only be cast between 4.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m.
Polling stations generally close at 9.00 p.m. After that time, only people already inside the station or waiting at the entrance are allowed to vote, according to the Electoral Council. Opening hours may differ at so-called special polling stations, such as those located in shopping centres.
Referendum
Voting is open to people aged 18 and over. In Rotterdam and Amsterdam, however, 16- and 17-year-olds are also allowed to vote for neighbourhood and village councils and district committees. They must cast their vote at a polling station within their own neighbourhood.
In Haaksbergen, voters are also taking part in a local referendum on asylum reception. Residents are answering four questions about the choice of one or more reception locations, the placement of a site, and how this relates to housing development plans. The outcome provides the municipality with advice that carries significant weight.
Voting is not limited to Dutch citizens. Residents from other European Union countries are eligible to vote in the municipality where they reside. People from outside the EU may vote if they have lived legally and continuously in the Netherlands for at least five years. All voters had to be registered with a municipality on 2 February, when the candidate lists were finalised. Anyone holding a residence permit at that time is eligible to vote. Ukrainian refugees are not allowed to vote.
Homeless people
Homeless people who are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), for example, using a postal address, can receive a voting card through that registration, the Electoral Council says. Without registration in the BRP, voting is not possible, as voting cards are issued through this system.
In total, more than 14.2 million people are eligible to vote in 340 of the country’s 342 municipalities. Wijdemeren will merge with Hilversum next year, and residents there will vote in November for the council of the new merged municipality. The special municipalities of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are not taking part. Island Council elections are scheduled for 27 March 2027.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
