On Wednesday 18 March 2026, residents of The Hague will head to the polls for the municipal elections — a key democratic moment for everyone who calls the city home. For many of the city’s more than 70,000 international residents who may be eligible to vote, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of their new hometown.
As Mayor Jan van Zanen reminds us:
“Wednesday, March 18, you help to shape the future of our city. Use your voice. Use your vote. Kom op voor Den Haag.”
Who can vote?
You are eligible to vote in the municipal elections if you:
- Are 18 years or older on 18 March 2026;
- Were registered in a Dutch municipality on 2 February 2026;
- Hold Dutch nationality, the nationality of another EU member state, or have been legally living in the Netherlands for at least five uninterrupted years as of 2 February 2026.
Can I vote if I am not Dutch?
Yes — many internationals can vote in local elections.
- EU nationals may vote if registered in a Dutch municipality.
- Non-EU nationals may vote if they have held a valid residence permit for at least five uninterrupted years as of 2 February 2026. This includes residence permits issued by the IND or MFA for diplomats working at intergovernmental organisations.
- Employees of embassies and consulates (and their family members) who do not hold Dutch nationality are not eligible to vote.
In short: EU and non-EU nationals working for international organisations can vote if they meet the criteria. Non-Dutch nationals working for embassies and consulates cannot.
How does voting work?
If you are eligible, you will receive a voting pass by post at your home address no later than 2 March 2026 (in The Hague). If you do not receive it, you can request a replacement — but be mindful that deadlines apply.
On election day, you must bring:
- Your voting pass;
- A valid form of identification (passport, Dutch or EU/EEA/Swiss ID card, Dutch or EU/EEA driving licence, residence permit or MFA card).
Your ID may be expired for up to five years.
Polling stations are located throughout the city and neighbouring municipalities including Delft, Rijswijk, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Wassenaar. Practical information and polling station locations can be found on your municipality’s website.
Who can I vote for?
In The Hague, voters can choose from 20 political parties. A total of 487 candidates are competing for 45 seats on the city council.
Some parties provide translated versions of their political programmes. Translation apps and AI tools can also help you better understand party positions. Additionally, Kieskompas offers an online tool that allows voters to compare their views with party statements.
The Hague Local Election Night in English
Internationals who would like to learn more about the elections are invited to attend The Hague Local Election Night on 10 March. The event is organised by ACCESS, Volunteer The Hague and Holland Park Media.
The event starts at 17:00 at The Hague Tech (Waldorpstraat 5, 2521 CA, The Hague) and offers an opportunity to better understand how local politics works — and why your vote matters.
On 18 March, make your voice heard. Your city, your future, your vote.
