As polling stations are abuzz across the region today, data shows that thousands of Veldhoven residents turned to digital assistance to prepare for the local elections. In Veldhoven, 8,688 eligible voters used the StemWijzer tool to help them navigate party platforms. This accounts for approximately 23.5 per cent of the municipality’s 36,900 eligible voters.
Veldhoven’s engagement is part of a broader trend of digital literacy in the Brainport area. In neighbouring Eindhoven, 56,171 voters used the service, representing nearly 30 per cent of the electorate. Other nearby municipalities saw even higher proportions, with approximately one-third of voters in both Best and Valkenswaard accessing the guide. Helmond and Waalre also recorded significant activity, with 19,149 and 4,058 users respectively.
Despite the high usage in this technology-driven region, a significant data gap remains. ProDemos, the organisation responsible for StemWijzer, was unable to provide a breakdown of how many users accessed the tool in English. This lack of information makes it difficult to determine how the region’s large international workforce and expat community are engaging with the local democratic process. The numbers were reported by Prodemos at 14:53 hrs.
Polls remain open until 21:00 tonight. To cast a vote, residents must bring their voting pass (stempas) and a valid form of identification to their local polling station.
NEWS BRAINPORT
