where den haag votes: from palace to nightclub

2026-02-26 binnenland

Den Haag, donderdag, 26 februari 2026.
den haag is redefining election day. on 18 march, voters can cast their ballot in extraordinary places. the stadspaleis opens its halls, museums transform into polling stations, and for the first time, a nightclub hosts democracy in action. nearly half a million citizens can vote across 260 locations. some sites open at midnight, catering to night owls and shift workers. this blend of grandeur, culture and nightlife makes participation accessible—and memorable. it’s not just convenience. it’s a statement: every voice matters, no matter the hour.

unique voting venues across the city

Voters in The Hague can cast their ballots at 260 polling stations on 18 March 2026 [1]. Among these are exceptional locations such as the Stadspaleis, Kunstmuseum, Muzee Scheveningen, and Club Westwood [1]. For the first time, residents may also vote from midnight at Boterwaag and Grote Markt [1]. These arrangements aim to increase accessibility for shift workers and night-time residents. Two youth-focused polling points operate under the ‘Own Your Stembureau’ initiative, located at Theatre De Vaillant and The Hague University of Applied Sciences [1].

inclusive access and voter outreach

Approximately 440,000 eligible voters reside in The Hague, all receiving a stempas—required alongside valid identification—to participate in the municipal elections [1][4]. Identification must include documents such as a passport, ID card, driver’s license, or residence permit that does not expire more than five years after election day [4]. To encourage turnout, Mayor Jan van Zanen emphasized the stempas as “your access card to our democracy” [1]. The municipality has launched the campaign ‘Kom op! voor Den Haag’ to boost voter engagement [1].

youth involvement and special initiatives

Eight polling stations are specifically designed by and for young people through the Own Your Stembureau project [1]. Locations include the Haagse Hogeschool and the Spui campus [1]. These youth-led efforts aim to engage first-time voters and strengthen democratic interest among younger demographics. On the evening of 17 March, the VerkiezingsNâch event takes place at Grote Markt, running from 20:00 until 02:00 the next day, offering music and discussion ahead of election day [1]. This aligns with broader national trends where municipalities adapt formats to modern civic needs [5].

candidate diversity and electoral data

A total of 487 candidates compete for 45 council seats in The Hague [6]. Slightly fewer than the 495 candidates in 2022, this includes 201 men and 112 women, with gender unspecified for others [6]. Twenty parties contest the election, including local lists accounting for 22 percent of candidates—a decline from 30 percent in the previous cycle [6]. According to the Electoral Council, candidate lists were finalized on 23 February 2026 [7]. Some candidates currently reside outside The Hague, though elected officials must establish residency promptly if chosen [6].

logistics and proximity for voters

On average, voters in The Hague need to walk only 370 meters to reach their nearest polling station [1]. This reflects deliberate planning to maximize physical access across neighborhoods. Polling locations span schools, community centers, cultural institutions, and unconventional spaces like Madurodam [1]. Voters unable to visit in person due to illness or quarantine can apply for mobile voting teams [1]. Replacement stempassen can be requested until 13 March in writing or until noon on 17 March in person [4]. Information on exact voting locations is available via www.waarismijnstemlokaal.nl [4].

Bronnen

gemeenteraadsverkiezing stembureaus