Horst aan de Maas votes today: live updates, quirky stories and key election facts
Residents of Horst aan de Maas cast their votes today in the municipal council elections. Follow live turnout updates, preliminary results, and a quirky tale of a ballot-eating dog. Polls are open until 21:00—don’t forget your ID and ballot paper!
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible voters | 36,370 residents |
| Turnout by 11:00 (2026) | 13.74% (2% higher than 2024 at the same time) |
| Polling stations | 23 locations, including Bajescafé in Evertsoord (open 09:00–13:00) |
| Voting hours | 07:30–21:00 (standard), 09:00–13:00 (Bajescafé) |
| Preliminary results | Expected tonight via YouTube, Omroep Horst aan de Maas, and live event |
| Invalid ballot paper cases | Replacements, stolen/lost ballots, or ballots of deceased voters |
| Weather | Sunny, 6°C (morning) to 16°C (afternoon), windy but dry |
The municipality of Horst aan de Maas organizes and oversees local elections, ensuring democratic participation and adherence to electoral laws. It provides logistical support, voter information, and transparency throughout the voting process.
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Liveblog Municipal Council Elections 2026
Today, you can follow the progress of the municipal council elections in Horst aan de Maas throughout the day via this live blog. We will provide interim turnout percentages at 12:00, 16:00, and 19:00. We will also share what is happening in and around the polling stations throughout the day. Tonight, we will publish the preliminary results at the party level here. Of course, you can also follow the results evening live at 't Gasthoês in Horst, via our YouTube channel, or via Omroep Horst aan de Maas from 21:00.
Today is the day to vote!
Anecdote: Dog Eats Ballot Paper
Last week, our Customer Contact Centre (KCC) received a rather unusual request. A woman asked if she could request a new ballot paper. The reason? The old one had been “eaten” by the dog. The four-legged culprit seemed to have a clear opinion on the matter. Was it a protest action? A statement against paperwork? Or was he simply hungry? The fact is: this dog made its voice heard! Fortunately, the owner received a new ballot paper. Democracy saved. And to be fair, this story fits Horst aan de Maas perfectly. It’s no coincidence that we know ’t Hundje van Hôrs as a symbol—a little stubborn, involved, and always present. Even during these elections. The moral of the story? Keep your ballot paper out of reach of dogs.
But what about replacement ballot papers?
What if you’ve lost your ballot paper... perhaps accidentally put it in the paper recycling? You request a new one. Then, a week later, you find the original ballot paper lying in your drawer. Can you vote twice?
Register of Invalid Ballot Papers
No, you can’t! Each polling station has a register of invalid ballot papers (ROS). If a voter attempts to vote with an invalid ballot paper, they will not be allowed to cast their vote. This prevents voters from voting multiple times. A ballot paper is considered invalid in the following cases:
- the ballot paper has been converted into a written proxy certificate.
- ballot papers for which a replacement has been issued, for example, because a voter lost their ballot paper or did not receive it.
- ballot papers of people who passed away between the day of dispatch and election day.
- ballot papers that were stolen or ended up with the wrong voter due to an error, for example, during production or distribution.
11:51: Turnout at 11:00
In Horst aan de Maas, 36,370 residents are eligible to vote today. By 11:00, 13.74% of voters had cast their ballots. This is more than 2% higher than at the same time during the 2024 municipal council elections.
Turnout 2026: 11:00
9:00: Polling Station in Evertsoord at Bajescafé Now Open
Exactly at 9:00, the polling station at the unique location in Evertsoord opened. For the third time, the Bajescafé serves as the polling station for Evertsoord, where detainees can also vote. The polling station was immediately filled with residents. Would you like to vote at this special location? You can do so until 13:00 today. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a "bajes" cookie. The doors are open, and you are welcome.
Polling Station Bajescafé in Evertsoord
The door is open
The Bajescafé in Evertsoord
The polling station staff are ready
7:30: 23 Polling Stations Now Open!
Just now, the 23 polling stations in Horst aan de Maas opened for the municipal council elections. You can vote today until 21:00. You can find a polling station near you here. The polling station at the Bajescafé in Evertsoord is open from 09:00 to 13:00. You can also cast your vote there.
Ballot Paper and ID
Don’t forget to bring your ballot paper and ID. You will need these to vote. For more information, visit the elections page.
Election Weather: The Weather Is No Excuse Today!
According to Meteo Limburg, today will be sunny all day, with temperatures around 6°C at 7:30 AM and light winds. This afternoon, temperatures will rise to a maximum of 16°C. However, it will feel colder due to the dry air and a moderate easterly wind (force 3-4), blowing from the Maas towards the Peel. This evening, after sunset at 18:45, it will remain clear with light winds, and temperatures will drop quickly. At 21:00, when the ballot boxes close, it will be 8°C in Horst aan de Maas.
Polling stations are open