Municipal elections 2026

Once every 4 years, municipal elections are held in the Netherlands. 

In municipal elections, residents of a municipality elect the members of the municipal council. The municipal council is the highest governing body within the municipality and decides on various issues such as waste, traffic and housing. The candidates with the most votes are elected and make up the new municipal council. 

The next municipal elections will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. 

How do I register my new party name?

Parties can have their name (designation) registered with the municipal central election office. The party's name will then appear at the top of the list of candidates and on the ballot paper. Parties wishing to register their name must be an association with full legal capacity. The statutes of the association must be laid down in a notarial deed.

You register the party name with a registration form, this form will soon be available on this page. 

Attach to the registration request:

  • The bylaws (recorded in a notarized deed);
  • proof of payment of the deposit;
  • A statement by the party, in which it designates a proxy and alternate proxy. These proxies may authorize those submitting candidate lists to place the name of the political party above the candidate list.

You can submit a registration request through Dec. 22, 2025.

Timeline municipal elections 2026 

until December 22, 2025Parties can have their names registered at the municipal central election office. The party's name will then appear at the top of the list of candidates and on the ballot paper.
January 19 to February 2, 2026Submitting statements of support. A declaration of support is a written statement indicating that you support a party's participation in the election. 
Feb. 2, 2026On the day of candidacy, parties submit their list of candidates.
Feb. 6, 2026
(at 5 p.m.) 
  • decision validity of candidate list
  • maintaining candidate list and placed designation
  • numbering the lists
  • preparation of the official report
Exact date to followOrganized day for poster pasting in the yard. 
March 18, 2026Voters go to the polls. 
March 19, 2026
  • Verification of polling station minutes.
  • The municipal polling station determines the total number of votes in the municipality, conducts the verification protocol and prepares the minutes.
March 26, 2026 Determination of results.