Gouda residents embrace new ballot paper as GroenLinks/PvdA leads preliminary election results
Gouda's municipal council elections saw a higher-than-average turnout of 56.8%, with GroenLinks/PvdA emerging as the leading party. A new, clearer ballot paper was introduced to simplify voting, and residents are invited to witness the final vote recount today.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | March 18, 2026 |
| Leading Party | GroenLinks/PvdA |
| Runner-up Parties | Leefbaar Gouda, D66 |
| Number of Participating Parties | 14 (13 represented in council) |
| Turnout | 56.8% (higher than national average) |
| New Ballot Paper | Introduced for clarity and ease of use |
| Vote Recount | Public meeting at 8:30 AM, March 19, Dick van Dijkhal, Tobbepad 2 |
| Final Results Announcement | March 26, 2026 |
| Contact for Questions | Municipality of Gouda: 14 0182 or email |
The Municipality of Gouda is responsible for organizing and overseeing local elections, ensuring a fair and accessible voting process for its residents. It also implements national electoral guidelines while introducing local improvements, such as the new ballot paper, to enhance voter experience.
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Preliminary results of municipal council elections in Gouda
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the municipal council elections took place. In Gouda as well, many residents cast their votes for the new municipal council. The preliminary results have now been announced.
In Gouda, 14 parties participated. Of these, 13 will be represented in the council. Residents voted most for GroenLinks/PvdA, followed by Leefbaar Gouda and D66. The turnout was 56.8%, which was higher than the national average.
New ballot paper
This year, Gouda used a new ballot paper for the first time. This ballot paper is clearer and is intended to make voting easier.
Mayor Verhoeve looks back positively on election day: “The elections went smoothly. At the polling stations, we deployed extra staff to explain the new ballot paper. This helped many residents cast their votes correctly. I would like to thank all voters for their engagement. I am also proud of our polling station staff, who worked tirelessly all day to ensure everything ran smoothly.”
Counting votes
On Wednesday evening, March 18, the votes were counted at the polling stations at the party level. Today, the municipal electoral office will recount all votes, both by party and by candidate. This will take place during a public meeting starting at 8:30 AM in the Dick van Dijkhal (Tobbepad 2). Everyone is welcome to attend. The results of this recount are expected on Friday, March 20.
Final results
The final results of the municipal council election will be officially announced on Thursday, March 26, during a public session of the central electoral office.
Would you like to know the complete results in Gouda? Then visit the Municipal Council Election page. Do you have any questions about the elections? Call the municipality at 14 0182 or send an email to.
Photo: Astrid den Haan