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Municipal elections March 2022 FAQ

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On Wednesday, March 16, there will be municipal elections in The Hague and some other municipalities in the Netherlands. Whilst all Dutch citizens may vote in the elections, there can be some confusion about voting rights for non-Dutch residents in The Hague. 

Who is allowed to vote in general?

You can vote in the municipal elections if you meet a number of requirements:

  • You are 18 years or older on 16 March 2022
  • You are registered in the Municipality of The Hague on 31 January 2022. If you were registered after 31 January, you cannot vote in The Hague
  • You have Dutch nationality. Or the nationality of another member state of the European Union (EU). Or you have been living in the Netherlands legally (with a residence permit) for an interrupted period of at least 5 years

Can I vote if I do not have Dutch nationality?

Some non-Dutch residents in The Hague may vote, for instance:

  • EU nationals
  • Non-EU nationals, who have had a residence permit for 5 years (with no gaps in residence) are allowed to vote, including:
    • Residence permit via the IND
    • Residence permit via the MFA (diplomatic status) only as employee of an international organization

Who cannot vote?

  • EU nationals that arrived in the Netherlands after 31 January 2022
  • Non-EU nationals who have been living in the Netherlands for less than 5 years, or people with gaps in their 5 year residency
  • Employees of embassies and consulates (and family members) do not have the right to vote (except if they have Dutch nationality)

How can I get a voting pass (stempas)?

If you are allowed to vote, a voting pass will be sent to your home address. You will receive your voting pass by 2 March 2022 (in The Hague).

Do I need ID to vote?

To be able to vote, you need bring both your voting pass and a valid form of identification.

A valid form of identity includes:

  • A Dutch passport, identity card, driving licence or residence permit; or a privileged person's identity card
  • A passport, identity card or driving licence from another EU country or Norway, Switzerland (expect for a driving licence from Switzerland), Liechtenstein or Iceland
  • Your proof of identity may be expired for a maximum of 5 years on 16 March 2022. Check the date on your identity document under ‘valid until’. Any date as of 17 March 2017 will be accepted.

I haven't received my voting pass?

If you did not receive a voting pass, or you lost your voting pass, or it was seriously damaged, you can request a new voting pass. Your old voting pass will then no longer be valid. It is possible to request a new voting pass as of 2 March until 11 March 2022 (17.00 hrs.).

Who you need to contact depends on where you live:

Election information and voting pass replacement