Elections in The Netherlands are a central way for citizens to influence public decisions. They choose representatives who debate laws, budgets, and policies on different levels of government. For the Tweede Kamer, or House of Representatives, voters choose from party lists. Seats are distributed according to the votes, which allows several parties to enter parliament. A voter normally marks one candidate on a ballot. A vote for a candidate also supports that candidate's party, while preference votes can help determine which candidates from a party list take seats. The Eerste Kamer, or Senate, is not chosen directly by the general public. Members are elected by the provincial representatives, known as the Provinciale Staten, through an indirect voting process. Municipal elections choose the gemeenteraad, or municipal council. This council sets broad local policy and checks the municipal executive, while the mayor has a separate role in local administration and public order. Provincial elections choose the Provinciale Staten. These representatives decide provincial policy and also take part in choosing the Eerste Kamer. Water board elections, called waterschapsverkiezingen, choose representatives for local water authorities. Their work concerns water safety, water management, and water quality. The Netherlands also holds elections for the European Parliament. In every election, the exact voter eligibility and ballot instructions depend on the election type and the person's legal status.
Elections in Netherlands
Elections in The Netherlands use mainly proportional representation, so parties receive seats broadly related to their share of the vote. Voters can choose a party and often a particular candidate on its list. Different elections select representatives at national, provincial, municipal, water, and European levels.
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