IJsselstein mayor promotes voter turnout with creative pub campaign ahead of local elections
IJsselstein's mayor took a hands-on approach to boost voter engagement by distributing election-themed posters and beer mats in local pubs. With municipal elections on March 18, residents are encouraged to vote, even if they're critical of local politics.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Municipal council elections |
| Date | 18 March 2026 |
| Location | IJsselstein, Utrecht |
| Mayor’s Initiative | Distributed posters and beer mats in pubs to encourage voting |
| Lead Candidates’ Debate | 13 March 2026, 19:30 at Theater Pantalone |
| Voting Compass Tool | ijsselstein.kieskompas.nl |
| Naturalisation Ceremony | Recent event highlighted the value of voting for new Dutch citizens |
The mayor of IJsselstein plays a key role in local governance, overseeing policies that impact the hospitality sector, public safety, and civic engagement. As an impartial figure, the mayor promotes democratic participation without endorsing specific political parties.
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Read the full translated article below
Mayor's blog
On Friday evening, 27 February, I was on a pub crawl in our town. A 0.0% alcohol pub crawl, as it were, because I wasn't doing it (just) for my own pleasure. As mayor, I make decisions on matters that affect the hospitality sector. About permits, enforcement and terraces. And about safety around events such as Carnival and King's Day. In short: about the fun and safety in the city. It's good to work together on this. Important to talk to hospitality entrepreneurs about what concerns them.
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But I had another reason to visit: the elections. On 18 March, we will elect a new municipal council. I asked for and received help from our hospitality sector to ensure as many people as possible go to the polls: I distributed posters and beer mats. Posters that are now hanging near the toilets, with the text: “Hey IJsselsteiner, got something to bitch about? Go vote!” I can't help but chuckle. And beer mats you'll find under your glasses: “Had a few too many? Then vote sober.” Texts with a wink, but meant seriously. Because with this kind of action, I also hope to encourage young people to cast their vote.
This is how we keep coming up with new ways to let you know that you can vote for a new municipal council on Wednesday, 18 March. The six political parties are distributing flyers, standing on the market square, campaigning on social media and promoting their plans and ambitions. Want to know what they stand for? Then I have two tips.
Tip 1: attend the lead candidates' debate on Friday evening, 13 March, at Theater Pantalone. Registration is not required, but make sure you are inside by 19:30 to not miss the ‘sneak preview’ of the new play Exitpoll by theatre group Kwibus. Tip 2: answer the statements in our Voting Compass about what is going on in our city via ijsselstein.kieskompas.nl. Very helpful if you're still undecided.
Of course, I am not campaigning politically myself. Because all the parties participating in our municipality are equally dear to me. But I am campaigning for the right to vote. Because the right to vote is a privilege. The 13 new IJsselsteiners I recently spoke to at the naturalisation ceremony made me realise that again. In their country of origin, for example Syria or Afghanistan, it can sometimes be dangerous to disagree with politics or the government. All the more reason to appreciate the right to vote in their new home country, the Netherlands.
So, dear, wonderful IJsselsteiners: no matter how much or how little ‘we’ may have achieved in your eyes over the past four years; no matter how much or how little trust you have in politics: help make IJsselstein a little nicer and VOTE!