Your City, Your Voice: Can Internationals Vote in The Hague City Council Elections?

Volunteering builds community; voting shapes it.

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 on 18 March 2026, giving residents across the country the chance to choose their local representatives.

Where Can you Vote?

There are 250 polling stations in The Hague.

Visit www.stembureausindenhaag.nl to find a convenient one for you!

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 organized by political party. You can arrange for a vote by proxy if you can't be in The Hague on that day. On the day itself, you can simply:

1. Bring your voting pass and valid ID
2. Go to any polling station in your own municipality.
3. Go to the voting booth to unfold the ballot which the list of candidates organized by party
4. Vote for an individual candidate by coloring in the circle before their name with a red pencil.
5. Cast your vote by inserting your ballot into the designated container

A Small Action with a Big Impact

For internationals, voting can be a powerful step toward feeling connected to the community around you. The decisions made by the city council affect everyone from housing and public spaces to cultural life and local services. So, if you’re eligible, take the opportunity: your voice can help shape the future of The Hague.

This article is based on a presentation given by Work in South Holland of The Hague International Centre during the The Hague Local Election Night on 10 March 2026 co-organised by ACCESS, PEP Den Haag, Volunteer The Hague, Holland Park Media and The Hague International Centre.

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.