Rethinking Resolutions: Setting Intentions for a Meaningful New Year

Your City, Your Voice: Can Internationals Vote in The Hague City Council Elections? Living in an international city like The Hague means people from all over the world contribute to its vibrant communities. But did you know that many internationals can also help shape the city’s future by casting a vote during the 2026 local elections? Voting is one of the most meaningful ways to feel at home and to influence the place where you live, study, work, and build your life. Why Your Vote Matters Local elections determine who sits on the city council and makes decisions that affect daily life in your neighbourhood. The councillors you elect will help shape policies on issues such as: ✓ Public safety ✓ Housing and infrastructure ✓ Social and healthcare services ✓ Sports and community facilities ✓ Language education and libraries ✓ Local taxes ✓ Waste collection ✓ Business support and permits ✓ Economic development ✓ Culture and events ✓ Support with income and employment These practical matters range from the quality of parks and libraries to how waste is collected or how new housing is planned. However, it’s good to know that local elections do not decide national policies. Issues such as immigration policy or the national systems for education, healthcare, and social security are handled at the national level. Who Can Vote? The Netherlands has one of the most inclusive local voting systems in Europe. You may be eligible to vote in the 2026 municipal elections if you: ✓ Are 18 years or older ✓ Were registered with your municipality by 2 February 2026 ✓ Belong to one of the following groups: Dutch citizens EU nationals Non-EU nationals who have lived in the Netherlands for at least five years continuously and hold a valid residence permit Many internationals working with international organisations in the region are also eligible. However, staff of embassies and consulates generally cannot vote unless they also hold Dutch nationality. When Are the Elections Held? Municipal elections in the Netherlands are held every four years. The next round will take place in 2026, giving residents across the country the chance to choose their local representatives. How to Vote If you are eligible and registered, you will receive a voting pass (stempas) by mail before election day and a list of all candidates for all parties. You will vote an individual candidate by marking the circle before their name with a red pencil. On the day itself, you can simply: This article is based on a presentation given by Work in South Holland given during the The Hague Local Election Night on 10 March 2026 co-organised by ACCESS, PEP Den Haag, Volunteer The Hague and HPM. Volunteer The Hague is a project of PEP Den Haag, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement and strengthening the social fabric of The Hague. Initiated in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague, Volunteer The Hague site hosts hundreds of volunteer activities for every age, skill-set, and availability. Importantly, the volunteer listings on Volunteer The Hague’s website do not require Dutch language skills. You can browse these vacancies or use our Talent Scan tool through which you can find individualized listings after answering a series of questions about your skills and interests. All listings will provide you with information about the tasks expected, preferred availability in days and number of hours, and perks offered.

Settling into a new city can be quite a challenge. Join The Hague International Centre's Feel at Home event for an informative and engaging evening on Monday, March 30 2026 ! Volunteer The Hague is one many organizations present at Feel at Home event to inform new and long-term international residents of The Hague about support services. Speak directly with experts and get answers to your questions about housing, childcare, taxes, healthcare, social clubs and more. Connect with others, enjoy some drinks and snacks and the lovely live music performance. Participating organizations include Childcare providers Communities Education Exploring The Hague Healthcare providers Housing services: Language learning and intercultural training Legal and financial services Neighbourhood associations Relocation services Volunteering and Career When? Monday, 30 March 2026 17:00 to 20:00 hrs Where? Madurodam George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ The Hague Parking is free at the parking space of Madurodam. The Volunteer The Hague team is excited to meet all visitors at this awesome event at the Madurodam park. Entrance is free but registration is required. Places are getting booked up fast so please register today.

Randy Heuschen, Civil Servant for the Municipality of The Hague, gave a workshop called 'Your Voice Matters: Be Active, Be heard, Belong!' during Volunteer The Hague's 2025 Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair. He would like to inspire you to become an active resident of The City of The Hague by understanding the following three concepts. Your personal story is your strength, it helps bring you firther in life whether your experiences felt good or bad Be social! Join activities, you never know when someone might inspire you or YOU inspire them Even though it might feel scary, allow yourself to be vulnerable. It makes you human and makes it easier for other people to relate to you. Building a Home Away from Home in The Hague Feeling at home in a city is about more than just having an address. It is about being heard, being active, and truly belonging. For many internationals living in The Hague, building that sense of connection can take time, but it is absolutely possible. Randy Heuschen understands this journey firsthand. Having spent 15 years abroad as the son of a diplomat and been educated in the British international system, he experienced what it means to adapt to new cultures. Now 29 and working as a civil servant and district employee for Scheveningen within the Municipality of The Hague, his ambition is clear: bringing internationals and Dutch residents closer together. His guiding belief is simple yet powerful: your story is your strength. The Role of the Municipality The Municipality of The Hague plays a central role in daily life. It maintains the Personal Records Database (BRP), issues passports, identity cards, and driving licences, and provides financial assistance to those in need. It is responsible for implementing key legislation such as the Social Support Act (WMO), the Participation Act, and youth care services. Beyond administration, the municipality shapes the physical and social fabric of the city. It plans residential and green spaces, supervises housing construction, maintains streets and cycle paths, manages waste collection, supports schools, and ensures accessibility to industrial parks. It also funds community facilities such as libraries and swimming pools and issues permits for local businesses and market traders.