March 18, 2026
Emmen's first children's elections see over 2,500 young voters shape local projects
Over 2,500 children in Emmen had their say in the municipality's first-ever children’s elections, choosing local projects that will shape their communities. With 62% participation, young voters picked initiatives like football clinics, scavenger hunts, and festivals, giving them a taste of democracy early on.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Total votes cast | 2,514 |
| Ballot papers distributed | 4,084 |
| Participation rate | 62% of eligible children |
| Number of schools involved | 58 primary schools |
| Age group | Grades 5 to 8 (ages ~8-12) |
| Winning projects by area | Football and dance clinic (Angelslo), Large village scavenger hunt (Barger-Oosterveld), and more (see full list below) |
| Date of elections | March 18, 2026 |
| Municipality | Emmen, Drenthe |
The municipality of Emmen organized this initiative to engage children in local democracy and teach them about civic participation. By allowing young residents to vote on community projects, the local government fosters early involvement in decision-making processes that affect their neighborhoods.