The Lower House election: here's how to get ready for it
Wednesday, October 29, we get to vote again for the House of Representatives. But what exactly are we voting for? What does the House of Representatives actually do? And how do you properly prepare for election day?
The House of Representatives, the cabinet and the government
You will soon decide who will be in the House of Representatives. Then the members of the House of Representatives will decide together who will form the cabinet and government. The government consists of the king and all the ministers. But only the ministers bear responsibility. They run the country. The ministers have secretaries of state who help them make policy. The ministers and secretaries of state together form the Cabinet.
Together we elect the House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has 150 members from different political parties. They are elected by Dutch voters during the Lower House elections. The more votes a party gets, the more candidates from that party enter the Lower House.
Once the results of the Lower House election are known, the parties start negotiating together who will form a cabinet. This is an important moment, because the parties that enter the cabinet, and thus the government, together govern the country.
The House of Representatives controls the government
Together, members of the House of Representatives monitor what the government is doing. They review government plans and ask questions about them. Laws the government comes up with must first be approved by the House of Representatives. All House members can also propose bills themselves. In addition, they can call attention to certain issues they consider important, or submit a motion.
Which party suits you?
An overview with all parties and candidates will be sent to your home shortly. Then you can already see who you want to vote for. Each party has its own views and plans for our country. Do you want to know which party suits you best? Then read the various election programs of the parties on the Internet or watch a debate on television. You can also fill out an online voting aid or talk to other people you trust.
How does voting on election day itself work?
On Oct. 29, you can vote between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.. You can do so at all polling stations in your municipality.
Take this with you to the polling place:
- your voting card (you will receive it at home no later than Wednesday, Oct. 15)
- your proof of identity (passport, driver's license or Map)
Check out geldrop-mierlo.nl/elections soon for a polling place near you. On the website, you can also see which polling stations are wheelchair accessible.
Need help voting?
Because your vote is secret, you vote alone in the voting booth. Are you really unable to vote yourself because of a physical disability? For example, because you cannot hold a pencil? Then someone can help you. Do you have difficulty reading? Then you can ask a polling station member for a magnifying glass.
Want to know more about the House of Representatives election on Oct. 29?
Check out elkestemtelt.nl.