KNM: Elections & Political Parties
The Netherlands uses a proportional representation system. Every vote counts toward seats in parliament. Elections for the Tweede Kamer are held every 4 y...
The Netherlands uses a proportional representation system. Every vote counts toward seats in parliament. Elections for the Tweede Kamer are held every 4 years (or earlier if the government falls). There are many political parties representing different viewpoints from left to right.
| English | Dutch | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Elections | Verkiezingen | Voting day is usually on Wednesday |
| To vote | Stemmen | At a polling station with ID |
| Polling station | Stembureau | Usually schools, community centers |
| Voting pass | Stempas | Sent to your home before elections |
| Coalition | Coalitie | Parties that form government together |
| Opposition | Oppositie | Parties not in government |
| Election | Dutch | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| European Parliament | Europees Parlement | Held every 5 years; voters in the Netherlands choose Dutch members for the EU parliament |
| EU citizens | EU-burgers | Dutch citizens and other EU citizens living in the Netherlands can vote in European elections if registered correctly |
| Voting pass | Stempas | Sent to your home; take it with an ID to the polling station |
| Party leader | Lijsttrekker | The main candidate at the top of a party list |
| Active voting right | Actief kiesrecht | The right to vote |
| Passive voting right | Passief kiesrecht | The right to be elected |
| Coalition agreement | Regeerakkoord | Plan made by parties that form a government together |
Examples
- Wanneer mag je stemmen in Nederland?
- When may you vote in the Netherlands?
- Je mag stemmen vanaf 18 jaar.
- You may vote from age 18.
- Neem je stempas en ID mee.
- Bring your voting pass and ID.
- De verkiezingen zijn om de vier jaar.
- Elections are every four years.
Study note
As a naturalized Dutch citizen, you can vote in all elections. As an EU citizen living in the Netherlands, you can vote in European Parliament elections and municipal elections if you meet the rules. As a non-EU resident who has lived in the Netherlands for 5+ years, you can vote in municipal elections only. Voting is not mandatory, but it is seen as an important civic duty.
Practice after reading
Train knowledge of Dutch society with timed KNM practice questions.