Heiloo voters to test current ballot paper in nationwide election study
On 18 March 2026, Heiloo residents will participate in a nationwide study to improve voting accessibility. While voting as usual, their feedback on the current ballot paper will help shape future election processes, ensuring clarity and ease for all voters.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Heiloo |
| Date of Study | 18 March 2026 |
| Number of Participating Municipalities | 12 (Heiloo + 11 others) |
| Focus of Study | Voter experience with current and new ballot paper designs |
| Research Agency Presence | Polling stations in Heiloo |
| Data Collected | Time taken to vote, anonymous feedback on ballot paper usability |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) |
| Goal of New Ballot Paper | Easier handling, counting, and accessibility for visually impaired voters |
| More Information | Nieuw stembiljet |
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) oversees electoral processes in the Netherlands, ensuring they are accessible, secure, and user-friendly. This study is part of their ongoing efforts to modernize voting procedures and improve voter experience across municipalities.
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From local to national, everything in one place. That's all very nice and handy, but our coffee supply is running low.
Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Heiloo participates in a study on the ballot paper
During the municipal elections on 18 March 2026, the municipality of Heiloo will participate in a nationwide study on the ballot paper. We believe it is important that voters can cast their ballots in a clear and user-friendly manner.
That is why we are supporting this study by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK). On 18 March, representatives of a research agency will therefore be present at several polling stations.
Part of a study on a new ballot paper
Eleven other municipalities in the Netherlands will also take part in the trial on 18 March 2026. In these municipalities, voters will use a new, smaller ballot paper. After voting, voters will be asked for their opinion on the new ballot paper. To ensure the results can be properly compared, Heiloo has been asked to test the current, larger ballot paper instead.
This means that in our municipality, everything will remain as you are used to: you will vote using the familiar ballot paper. However, after casting your vote, researchers will ask you about your experience with this ballot paper.
What will voters notice about the study
For voters in Heiloo, nothing will change on election day. You will simply vote using the ballot paper as usual.
However, you may notice something about the study. On 18 March, researchers will be present all day in several polling stations. They will measure how long voters take on average to complete the ballot paper. They may also ask voters a few questions about the ballot paper after they have cast their vote.
All responses will be completely anonymous. You will never be asked who you voted for or about your political views.
Why is a trial being conducted with a new ballot paper in other municipalities
The current ballot paper is large. That is why a new ballot paper is being tested that:
- Is easier for voters to handle.
- Is easier for polling station staff to count.
- Can be used more effectively with assistive tools, such as the ballot template for blind and visually impaired voters.
- Is suitable for future electronic counting.
For more information about the new ballot paper and this trial, visit Nieuw stembiljet (links to an external website).