The municipal elections on Wednesday, March 18, are about the street you live on, your childrens school, and the facilities in your village. That is why Mayor Patricia Hoytink-Roubos finds it so important that residents of Overbetuwe make their voices heard by voting.
The municipal council makes decisions that directly affect daily life. For example, about roads, sports, care, housing, and greenery in the neighborhood. By voting, you show what matters to you. “You can never fully agree with all the positions of a political party,” says Mayor Hoytink-Roubos, “but by voting, you do show which issues are important to you.”
Why one vote makes a difference
Some people doubt whether their vote matters. The mayor understands that thought but points out that the influence is significant in municipal elections. In Overbetuwe, there are about 39,000 residents eligible to vote, and the council has 29 seats. That means a few hundred votes can already determine whether someone gets into the municipal council.
“It is also about people from your own environment,” says Hoytink-Roubos. “You vote for fellow residents you meet at the club or in the store who want to commit themselves to our municipality.”
She also sees voting as a responsibility. Voting rights are a right but also something you must use if you want to participate in deciding the municipalitys future. Not voting but expressing dissatisfaction feels somewhat uncomfortable to me. If you think something should be different, voting is the most direct way to show that.”
Democracy requires participation
Our democracy only works well if residents participate in important choices. The more people vote, the stronger the system becomes. “If fewer and fewer people cast their votes, democracy becomes weaker,” warns Hoytink-Roubos. “Then there is a risk that decisions no longer align well with what lives in society.”
She emphasizes that democracy is more than just elections. Speaking up, demonstrating, and engaging in dialogue are also part of it. “But voting is the foundation. With it, you indicate which direction should be followed according to you.”
From council member to mayor
That conviction does not come out of nowhere. Hoytink-Roubos started her political career over twenty years ago in a municipal council. After a period as a council member and alderman, her involvement in the municipalitys work grew. “I entered politics precisely because I noticed I had many opinions about how things were arranged. I was raised not just to shout but to take responsibility.”
Her own experience as a candidate made her extra aware of what voting means. “When people vote for you, that gives trust. You know your positions are not only yours but supported by others.” She sees that trust reflected in her current role as mayor. “Especially at the local level, I can make a difference for residents.”
Making voting as accessible as possible
The municipality of Overbetuwe does everything to make voting as simple and accessible as possible for everyone. There are 25 polling locations spread across the municipality. About three hundred volunteers, from young to old, ensure everything runs smoothly.
There is much attention to accessibility and ensuring everyone can participate. Polling stations are easily accessible, there is clear explanation with the voting pass, and for people with visual impairments, lists with large letters of the candidate list are available.
For people with dementia or physical disabilities, there are clear options, such as voting by proxy or assistance by the chairman of the polling station. “If someone encounters difficulties, we want to know,” says Hoytink-Roubos. “Then we look for a solution together.”
Additionally, this year there is a voting guide for the first time, developed in cooperation with ProDemos. All voters also receive a letter explaining how voting works. “You must of course understand what it is about before you can make a choice.”
Ambition: highest turnout in Gelderland
On election day, the mayor, as with all elections, makes a round to all polling stations to thank volunteers and show that voting is still possible. In the evening, she presents the results per polling station from the town hall.
Her ambition is clear. “I would love it if Overbetuwe has one of the highest turnouts in Gelderland. Not because it is a competition but because it shows how involved our residents are.”
The mayors call to residents is simple and clear: go vote. “It takes little effort, but it means a lot. For yourself, for the municipal council, and for a strong democracy in Overbetuwe.”
Practical information about voting
When?
Wednesday, March 18, voting is possible from 07:30 to 21:00.
Where can you vote?
There are 25 polling locations in Overbetuwe. View all locations.
What to bring?
- Your voting pass
- An identity document (passport, ID card, or drivers license)
Note: your identity document may be expired up to 5 years.
Accessibility
- Polling stations are easily accessible
- You can ask for help voting from the chairman of the polling station
Cant vote yourself?
Then someone you trust may vote by proxy for you.
Need help choosing?
This year there is a Voting guide for the first time (made together with ProDemos).
With this, you see which party best matches your opinion.
Read more about voting, polling locations, and accessibility.
About this article series
What does the municipality of Overbetuwe actually do, and why? In this article series, the college of mayor and aldermen takes residents along in the choices and initiatives that contribute to a pleasant and future-proof municipality. Each time, one theme is central, with concrete examples from practice.