Understanding the Dutch Municipal Elections

The Dutch municipal elections determine who will govern your municipality for the next four years. These elections are a cornerstone of local democracy, impacting daily life through decisions on housing, traffic, and public spaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the process, from voting to forming a governing coalition.

What are the Municipal Elections?

In the Dutch municipal elections, residents of a municipality elect the members of the municipal council (gemeenteraad). These elections are held every four years throughout the Netherlands. All citizens aged 18 and older with the right to vote are eligible to participate. Rijksoverheid.nl

The Role of the Municipal Council

The municipal council is the highest governing body within a municipality. It sets the broad policy direction and oversees the mayor and aldermen (college van burgemeester en wethouders), who are responsible for the day-to-day administration. Rijksoverheid.nl

Decisions That Impact Your Neighborhood

Many decisions that directly affect residents are made at the municipal level. The municipal council makes decisions on topics such as housing, traffic and parking, sustainability, youth care, safety, and the maintenance of public spaces. Rijksoverheid.nl

The council also approves the municipal budget, determining how funds are allocated to various services and projects.

How Does Voting Work?

In the lead-up to the elections, eligible voters receive a voting pass (stempas) by mail. This pass is required to vote at a polling station on election day. Rijksoverheid.nl

Voters cast their ballot for a candidate on the candidate list of a political party. These can be national parties with local branches or local parties active only within the municipality. Rijksoverheid.nl

From Votes to Seats

After the polling stations close, the votes are counted. The election results determine how many seats each party receives in the municipal council. The Netherlands uses a system of proportional representation, meaning that parties receive a number of seats that closely corresponds to the percentage of votes they receive. Kiesraad.nl

Coalition Formation and Plans for Four Years

Following the elections, parties begin negotiations to form a coalition. Typically, parties aim to secure a majority of seats on the municipal council by working together. This collaboration is known as a coalition. Raadsleden.nl

The parties forming a coalition agree on policies for the coming years, outlined in a coalition agreement. This agreement also forms the basis for the composition of the mayor and aldermen, who are responsible for implementing the agreed-upon policies. Raadsleden.nl

Key Dates for the 2026 Municipal Elections

The next municipal elections in the Netherlands will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Rijksoverheid.nl and Kiesraad.nl

Personal voting passes will be sent out by March 4, 2026. If you do not receive your pass, you can request a fresh one. Rijksoverheid.nl