The House of Representatives
Every 4 years, Dutch people get to vote for members of the House of Representatives. Together with the government, the Lower House makes new laws and checks whether the government is doing its job properly. In addition, the Lower House plays an important role in making policy.
The early Lower House election will take place on Oct. 29, 2025. The last time it was possible to vote for the House of Representatives in the Netherlands was 2 years ago, in November 2023.
Normally, Lower House elections take place every 4 years, or earlier if a cabinet falls as happened this year.
The House of Representatives in a nutshell
The House of Representatives consists of 150 members. These MPs represent the voters for 4 years, until the next elections. The Lower House has 2 main tasks: to control the government and to make laws together with the government.
Checking government
The government runs the country. For example, the government decides what the government spends money on, and the government makes new laws. The House of Representatives monitors this. Lower House members keep an eye on how the government does its job, and decide whether they agree with it or not.
Making laws
Lower House members have the right to propose a new law. Those who make such a proposal also defend it themselves in the House of Representatives. The minister or state secretary in charge of the subject gives advice.
If the Lower House approves the bill, the Lower House member also defends the proposal in the Senate. Ultimately, the Senate determines whether a law will pass.