Sittard-Geleen municipal elections 2026: live updates and voter turnout insights
Today, residents of Sittard-Geleen cast their votes in the 2026 municipal elections, shaping local governance for the next four years. With polling stations open until 9:00 PM, early turnout is up nearly 2.5% compared to 2022—don’t miss your chance to have a say in your community’s future.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | March 18, 2026 |
| Polling Stations Open | 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Number of Polling Stations | 47 |
| Early Turnout (9:00 AM) | 7.9% (up 2.5% from 2022) |
| Voter Assistance Tool | Kieskompas |
| Live Results Coverage | From 9:00 PM at Hanenhof, Geleen |
| Notable Voters | Mayor Hans Verheijen, former mayor Sjraar Cox, and 100th voter in Obbicht |
| Human Interest Highlights | 3-year-old voter with dad, Ollie the dog at polling station, volunteers |
The municipality of Sittard-Geleen organizes and oversees local elections, ensuring fair and accessible voting for all eligible residents. These elections determine the composition of the municipal council, which directly influences local policies, budgets, and community projects.
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Liveblog: municipal elections 2026
Welcome to this liveblog! Here, on Wednesday, March 18, we will keep you updated on the municipal elections 2026 in Sittard-Geleen.
- Polling stations are open until 9:00 PM
- Not sure who to vote for? Fill in the Kieskompas .
- Curious about the results? From 9:00 PM, you can follow the election night live on our website from the Hanenhof in Geleen.
Young and eager...
This adorable 3-year-old accompanied her dad to vote at the polling station in Fontys Hogeschool. Of course, she received a candy as a reward.
Preparations for Sint Joepmarkt underway
Preparations for tomorrow’s Sint Joepmarkt have already begun at Hub Dassenplein. Today, however, it is still a polling station, and volunteers are welcoming voters warmly.
A brief return
Former mayor Sjraar Cox made a brief return to the City Hall in Sittard today. He came to cast his vote. He is closely following the elections and is “very curious about tonight’s results.”
Voting in Holtum
Ad van Boxtel from Holtum always votes—especially during municipal elections. “Because my vote counts too, and by voting in the municipal elections, I have a say in how our municipality is governed.”
Jo Crombag has a dual role today. Not only is he a volunteer at the Holtum polling station, but he is also a resident and voter from Holtum. He simply enjoys being at the polling station and contributing to society. Voting in Holtum is running smoothly—it’s a pleasant atmosphere, and voters keep coming without long queues forming.
Voting with the boss
Ollie the dog also accompanied his owner to the polling station in Grevenbicht this morning after a walk in the sun. He can’t vote yet—he’s not of age—but his owner certainly can 😉
Even the mayor has voted
Mayor Hans Verheijen has already cast his vote. He did so at the polling station at Swentibold Primary School in Born. Haven’t voted yet? You still have until 9:00 PM tonight.
Mayor Hans Verheijen casts his vote
First provisional turnout figures
Voting is in full swing in Sittard-Geleen. According to the first turnout figures, 7.9% of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 9:00 AM. That’s nearly 2.5% more than at the same time in 2022.
We will publish interim turnout figures at several points today. These are based on a sample from five polling stations. These are, of course, provisional figures, but they already provide a good indication. The final turnout will only be known once all votes are counted tonight.
The 100th voter in Obbicht
Many voters have already found their way to the polling station in Obbicht. Mr. Jessen was the 100th voter at Harmoniezaal Concordia.
Polling stations are open!
Polling stations have been open since 7:30 AM. You can vote at 47 locations in our municipality.
Welcome to this liveblog!
Polling stations open at 7:30 AM. We will keep you updated throughout the day via this liveblog.