General elections 17 March
March 2021
The Netherlands will be going to the polls on Wednesday 17 March for regular elections for the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives). It has been a difficult year for the current government, ‘Rutte III’ as it’s called.
Handling the corona pandemic as well as a massive scandal called the ‘Toeslagenaffaire’ where thousands parents were accused of attempting to defraud the government in relation to their childcare payments. Mark Rutte, current Premier (prime minister) admitted the error and announced that the government would step down on 15 January 2021.
To be eligible to vote in most elections in the Netherlands one be over 18 years of age and hold Dutch citizenship, and this election is no exception.
On this upcoming election day, residents holding Dutch citizenship can vote as usual in a polling station. In the polling station, regulations are in place to minimise the risk of infection with the coronavirus. This year, voters will have to do a health check before voting. This check consists of a few questions about the coronavirus. Those who are eligible to vote will receive the health check together with their voting pass by mail from the municipality with which they are registered.
If all questions are answered with 'no', voters can head to the polling station. The back of your voting card can be used to authorise someone to cast a vote.
Opportunities to vote
In this Tweede Kamerverkeizingen, the following (additional) options to cast votes are available:
- Voting in the polling station.
On 17 March you can cast your vote at the polling station.
- Early voting
On Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 March 2021, a number of polling stations will be open in all municipalities, especially for voters who belong to the risk groups due to the coronavirus.
- Authorise someone
As in other elections, voters aged 18 and over can authorise someone to vote for them.
- Postal voting 70-plus
Voters aged 70 and above can also vote by letter at this election.