Once every four years, municipal elections are held in the Netherlands. The next municipal elections will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Who can vote
To be eligible to vote, residents must be registered in their local municipality’s Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) as of 2 February 2026 and be at least 18 years old on election day. Voters must also meet specific nationality requirements. This includes Dutch citizens, citizens of other European Union countries, and non-EU nationals who have lived legally and continuously in the Netherlands for at least five years. All voters must hold a valid residence permit and must not be excluded from the right to vote.
Voting card (Stempas)
You will receive your voting card (stempas) in the mail at least 14 days before the election. When you go to vote, you must bring this card along with a valid form of identification. Acceptable ID includes a passport, identity card, or a driving licence from an EU or EEA country. Your identification may be expired, provided the expiry date is no more than five years ago on the day of the election.
Voting by proxy
If you cannot go to the polling station yourself, you may authorise another voter to cast a ballot on your behalf. This is done by completing the proxy section on the back of your voting card. Your representative must live in the same municipality and must cast your vote at the same time they cast their own. A person may act as a proxy for a maximum of two other voters.
Accessibility
Municipalities are committed to making elections accessible to all. Polling stations are equipped with ramps and threshold aids for those with physical impairments. Many local authorities also provide tactile templates and audio support for voters with visual impairments or dyslexia. Additionally, assistance is available for voters who require help due to a physical disability. For further details, residents should check their local municipality’s website or the National Electoral Council.
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