How to vote in the Dutch local elections on March 18

The local elections are coming up, and it can be confusing to know how things work in the Netherlands. Here’s what internationals need to know about voting in the municipal elections on March 18, 2026.

Who can vote in the Dutch municipal elections?

Unlike the national elections, where only Dutch citizens are allowed to vote, internationals can participate in the local elections. Dutch citizens and citizens from EU countries are eligible to vote, as well as non-EU citizens who have lived in the Netherlands for at least five years.

You also need to be at least 18 years old and registered at an address in the Netherlands. 

How can I vote in the local elections on March 18?

If it’s your first time voting in the Netherlands, you might be wondering what to do come voting day. Here are your questions answered.

What do I need to vote at a polling station (stembureau)?

You will need your voting pass (stempas), which you should receive in the mail at your home address, and a form of ID, such as a passport, driving licence or residence permit. When you arrive at the stembureau, you’ll need to show your ID and hand over your stempas before receiving a ballot listing all parties and candidates.

You can find your local polling station online on your municipality’s website, or you can visit the website waarismijnstemlokaal.nl. 

I didn’t receive a voting pass (stempas), what do I do?

You should receive a stempas in the mail at your official address - voter registration isn’t necessary. If you have not received your stempas by March 4, 2026, you can contact your municipality to request a replacement. 

You can fill in a form online on your municipality’s website to request a new voting pass. This must be done by March 13. You can also go to your municipality’s office in person and request a new stempas until 12pm on March 17 - you will need to bring your ID or a copy of your ID.

Can I still vote if I can’t make it to a polling station?

If you aren’t able to make it to a polling station on voting day, there are two options to make sure your vote counts. Firstly, you can designate someone else to vote for you by giving them your stempas. To do this, you need to fill in the back of your voting card and give it to the person you trust to vote on your behalf, as well as a copy of your ID (it can be a scan or good quality photo).

The other option is to register to vote by written proxy - which can be done if your ID has expired. For this, you need to download the written authorisation form or request one from your municipality, fill in both your details and the details of the person who will be voting as your proxy and submit it to your municipality before March 13. Your proxy, with the approved written authorisation from the municipality, will then be allowed to vote on your behalf.

Voting in the Dutch local elections as an international

Thousands of internationals will be eligible to vote in the 2026 municipal elections and it is important that those who can use the opportunity. With the elections, residents decide who will make decisions on their behalf regarding local issues such as housing, healthcare, sustainability and liveability in their municipalities.

While many Dutch residents are unfamiliar with the duties of the local government, there are several voting guides, such as StemWijzer, which can help voters decide which political parties align best with their views. It also gives you an idea of the kind of issues that municipal councils make decisions on.

For more information on voting in the local elections on March 18, visit your municipality's website or the official government website.