Dutch local elections on March 18
Local decisions matter. From where the new bike lanes go to how often your trash is collected, the Municipal Elections on March 18, 2026 shape your daily life. The best part? You probably have a say in all of this. Here is everything you need to know about voting.
Dutch local elections on March 18
Can I Actually Vote?
Unlike the national elections (which require a Dutch passport), the local elections are open for everyone meeting below requirements:
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You are an EU Citizen: If you are registered in your municipality, you’re in. No minimum stay required.
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You are a Non-EU Citizen: You can vote if you have lived in the Netherlands legally and continuously for at least 5 years.
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The Basics: You must be 18+ and have been registered at your address by February 2, 2026.
Stempas
If everything went ok, you should have received your stempas already by post. Do not throw this away! You cannot vote without it.
If you haven’t received it contact your local Gemeente (municipality) immediately.
How to Vote
Find a polling station, they are everywhere—schools, community centers, and sometimes train stations. Look for the "Stembureau" signs or check the dedicated website.
You bring your Stempas and a valid ID (Passport, ID card, or Residence Permit).
You’ll be handed a massive paper ballot. Find your candidate, color in one circle with the provided red pencil and drop it in the dedicated "bus".
Who to vote for
You can use the tool StemWijzer. While they are often in Dutch, using a browser translator works surprisingly well to see which party's vibe matches yours.