Emmen's first children's elections see over 2,500 young voters shape local projects
Over 2,500 children in Emmen had their say in the municipality's first-ever children’s elections, choosing local projects that will shape their communities. With 62% participation, young voters picked initiatives like football clinics, scavenger hunts, and festivals, giving them a taste of democracy early on.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Total votes cast | 2,514 |
| Ballot papers distributed | 4,084 |
| Participation rate | 62% of eligible children |
| Number of schools involved | 58 primary schools |
| Age group | Grades 5 to 8 (ages ~8-12) |
| Winning projects by area | Football and dance clinic (Angelslo), Large village scavenger hunt (Barger-Oosterveld), and more (see full list below) |
| Date of elections | March 18, 2026 |
| Municipality | Emmen, Drenthe |
The municipality of Emmen organized this initiative to engage children in local democracy and teach them about civic participation. By allowing young residents to vote on community projects, the local government fosters early involvement in decision-making processes that affect their neighborhoods.
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Over 2,500 children cast their votes in Emmen
More than 2,500 children in the municipality of Emmen cast their votes on March 18, 2026. They participated in the very first children’s elections. Pupils from grades 5 to 8 could choose from three local projects. In total, 62 percent of the children in Emmen voted. Many were enthusiastic: “I finally get to vote!” and “I’ll vote when I’m older,” they said.
High participation from schools
Nearly all 58 primary schools in Emmen took part. They provided children with special ballot envelopes. Many classes went together to the polling station to choose their favorite project. In total, 4,084 ballot papers were distributed, and 2,514 were cast.
Results of the winning projects
One project won in each village and neighborhood. These are the selected projects:
- Angelslo: Football and dance clinic
- Barger-Oosterveld: Large village scavenger hunt
- Bargeres: Bargeres bakes together
- Barger-Compascuum: Outdoor survival adventure
- Delftlanden: Adventure game: Expedition Delftlanden
- Emmen-Centrum: Emmen-Centrum bakes together
- Emmer-Compascuum: Street art workshop
- Emmerhout: Outdoor play festival
- Emmermeer: Mini festival
- Erica: Food festival
- Klazienaveen: Gifts for children who are less fortunate at home
- Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord/Zandpol: Watching a film in the gym
- Nieuw-Dordrecht: Swimming and cycling with the upper grades
- Nieuw-Weerdinge: Freerunning in the gym
- Nieuw-Schoonebeek/Weiteveen: Games afternoon
- Rietlanden: Hunting season
- Roswinkel: Cooking workshop
- Schoonebeek: XL games afternoon
- Weerdinge: Hut-building day
- Zwartemeer: Football tournament
Want to know more about the children’s elections? Visit the page 'Children’s elections'.
Watch the aftermovie below: