North East Friesland children to elect new junior mayor in June
Children in Year 7 across North East Friesland can now register to become the next junior mayor. The election, set for 24 June, offers young students a unique chance to learn about local governance and civic engagement firsthand.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Junior Mayor | Menthe van der Zee (from Easterwierrum) |
| Election Date | Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 15:30 |
| Appointment Date | Thursday, 2 July 2026 during municipal council meeting It Beslút |
| Registration Deadline | 1 May 2026 |
| Eligible Participants | Year 7 students at all primary schools in North East Friesland |
| Election Location | Council chamber, Dokkum town hall |
| Term Duration | Until summer 2027 |
| Guest Lessons | Councillors to visit schools to explain the role of junior mayor and council |
The municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân organizes the junior mayor election to engage children in local democracy and governance. This initiative helps young citizens understand the role of municipal councils and encourages civic participation from an early age.
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Read the full translated article below
North East Friesland seeks new junior mayor
The term of junior mayor Menthe van der Zee – from Easterwierrum – is coming to an end. In July, she will hand over the ceremonial chain to a new junior mayor. The election day is at the end of June. All children in Year 7 in North East Friesland can now register to participate.
First election packages handed over
Junior mayor Menthe and Mayor Johannes Kramer visited two Year 7 classes in our municipality. They did this at De Schakel primary school and CBS Eben Haëzer primary school in Dokkum. Together with two municipal enforcement officers, they arrived in the Enforcement vehicle. Wearing sunglasses and carrying the election package in a large envelope – tucked under Menthe’s arm – they stormed into the schools.
At the front of the classroom, they explained the duties of the junior mayor and what was in the envelope. The children listened attentively and were able to ask questions. Menthe then handed the envelope – containing the election package – to the teacher. This includes, among other things, registration forms, posters and teaching materials. Children can now register for the election using the registration form.
Guest lessons by councillors
In the coming period, councillors will give guest lessons at primary schools in our municipality. This is to explain the role and duties of the junior mayor, as well as the municipal council and the work of the councillors.
Wednesday afternoon 24 June at 15:30 is the election
The junior mayor election will take place in the council chamber of the town hall in Dokkum. A press invitation will follow in due course. On Thursday 2 July, the municipal council will appoint the new junior mayor during its meeting: It Beslút.
Both meetings are open to the public and can be followed via Streekomroep RTV-NOF and via a livestream at: www.riednoardeast-fryslan.nl(link is extern). The new junior mayor will serve until the summer of 2027.
Children in Year 7 at all primary schools in the municipality can register to participate in the election on 24 June 2026 until 1 May 2026. If there are many registrations, there will be an intermediate round.