Want to help decide your city’s future?
The next Dutch municipal election, an event which happens every four years, will take place on 21 March 2018. Think this doesn't apply to you as an international student? Well, that’s not necessarily true.
Folia gives you the low down on who can vote, how to vote, and what exactly you'll be voting for.
Anyone over the age of 18 who meets any of these requirements can vote:
- You have Dutch nationality
- You have the nationality of another EU country and are registered at an address in The Netherlands
- You have a non-EU nationality but you have a valid residence permit and will stay or have been in The Netherlands for a period of at least 5 years.
What is the election for?
The municipality elections decide which parties will form the city council. The city council directs the municipality on what to do based on the wishes of their constituents. The mayor and city legislators will not be decided by this election. However, the city councillors that are elected are tasked with checking if the mayor and legislators are performing their duties in-line with what voters want.
How do I decide who to vote for?
Many of the parties have English websites. However, the easiest way to find out who best represents your interests is by taking the English-language Stemwijzer (Dutch for “Vote Director”This link will direct you to Stemwijzer Amsterdam. Amstelveen, Diemen and Haarlem do not have an English-language Stemwijzer but you could always ask your Dutch friends for help!), a quick test that will use your answers to match you to a party.
How do I vote?
If you are eligible to vote, the Dutch government will send you a letter containing your Stempas (Dutch for voting pass). If you are also eligible to vote on the data mining referendum or the Amsterdam City District elections, you will receive additional voting passes. On voting day (the 21st of March), go to a local polling station with your Stempas and your passport. You can bring an expired passport if the expiration date was no longer than five years ago.
I didn’t receive a letter
If you are eligible to vote but have not received your Stempas, you can request one here. Click the blue button that says, ‘Nieuwe stempas aanvragen.’ You can request one online until March 16. After this date, you must go to a ‘Stadsloket’ to request one in person. This is possible until March 20. Every district of Amsterdam has its own Stadsloket building, which you can find through googling “Stadsloket Amsterdam [plus your district]”.
