Voting during Dutch elections on March 18, 2026

It’s that time again. Municipal elections are coming up in the Netherlands. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, residents across the country will vote for a new municipal council. These councils decide the direction of your city for the next four years. Wondering how it works, whether you can vote, and what you need to bring? Here is everything you need to know.

How local government works

The Netherlands has three levels of government. The national government, provinces, and municipalities. Municipalities are the level of government closest to your daily life.

Every municipality has a municipal council. These are local politicians elected by residents.

• The council sets local policies and supervises the municipal executive board.
• The executive board consists of the mayor and aldermen. They carry out the policies and manage the day-to-day administration of the municipality.
• The mayor leads both the municipal council and the executive board. Unlike council members, the mayor is not elected by residents. The mayor is appointed by the King after recommendation from the municipal council.
  
  

Municipalities make decisions that directly affect your neighborhood. Think about housing development, waste collection, public spaces, permits, safety, and local taxes.

During the campaign, you will see many election posters around the city. They are often placed near busy locations like stations, intersections, and shopping streets.

Why are there elections now? 

Municipal elections take place every four years in the Netherlands. In 2026, it is time to elect a new municipal council. The election results determine which parties will form the local government. These parties will decide together how the municipality will be governed for the next four years. Many important local topics depend on these decisions. Housing projects, parking rules, green spaces, and neighborhood services are all shaped by the municipal council.

The municipal elections are on March 18, 2026. 

Am I allowed to vote? 

The rules for municipal elections are different from national elections. You do not always need Dutch nationality to vote.

You can vote if you:

• Are 18 years or older 
• Live in the municipality where you are voting 
• Have Dutch nationality
  
  

Non-Dutch residents may also vote if they meet one of the following conditions:

• You have the nationality of an EU country
• Or you have legally lived in the Netherlands for at least five years
  
  

If you are eligible, you will automatically receive a voting pass called a stempas in your mailbox. This usually arrives about two weeks before election day.

Where and when to vote 

You can vote at any polling station within your municipality. Your voting pass will often show a nearby location, but you are free to vote at another polling station in the same municipality. Polling stations are often located in schools, libraries, community centers, or sports halls. Outside, you will usually see a sign or flag indicating the location. Here you can find an overview of all polling stations.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, polling stations are open from 7.30 to 21.00.

What to bring? 

Before you rush out the door, make sure you have: 

• Your voting pass (stempas) 
• A valid ID (passport, Dutch ID card, or driver's license)

At the polling station, a volunteer will check your voting pass and ID. After that, you receive a voting paper and a red pencil. The voting paper is usually quite large. Find the party and candidate you want to vote for. Color the circle in front of the candidate’s name red. Fold the voting again and place it in the designated box.

Who to vote for?

Each municipality has multiple parties participating in the election. Some are national parties that also operate locally. Others are local parties that focus only on your city. If you are unsure who to vote for, voting guides can help. Two popular Dutch tools are StemWijzer and Kieskompas.

Good to know
Some practical things are good to know when you're going to vote:

• Children are not allowed into the voting booth.
• You may take a photo of your voting paper, but you must ensure the privacy of the other voters.
  
  

Results

By voting, you help decide who runs your municipality. The newly elected council will make decisions about your city for the next four years. On the evening of the election, preliminary results are announced on television and online. A few days later, the official results are confirmed. After that, parties start negotiating to form a new municipal government.