Wassenaar Votes Today: Live Updates on Municipal Elections 2026
Today, residents of Wassenaar cast their votes in the municipal elections, shaping local policies on housing, safety, and education for the next four years. With polling stations open until 9 PM, every vote counts in determining the future of the community.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | March 18, 2026 |
| Polling Stations Open | 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Interim Turnout (11:30 AM) | 16.74% |
| Number of Participating Parties | 9 (VVD, Hart voor Wassenaar, Lokaal Wassenaar!, GL-PvdA, CDA, D66, DLW, Forum voor Democratie, Volt) |
| Mayor | Leendert de Lange |
| Key Topics Debated | Traffic safety, nightlife, education, housing, sports, and local safety |
| Accessibility Measures | Polling stations designed for inclusivity |
| First-Time Voters Targeted | 18-year-olds encouraged to participate |
The municipality of Wassenaar organizes and oversees local elections, ensuring democratic participation and accessibility for all residents. It plays a key role in facilitating debates, voter education, and the smooth execution of the electoral process to uphold local governance.
Refueling time ☕
Openrijk navigates piles of government news daily. Your coffee helps us stay on course.
Read the full translated article below
Live blog Municipal Elections
Today, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, is the day: the municipal elections! In this live blog, we will keep you updated on the latest news about the elections in Wassenaar.
Interim turnout at half past 11
At half past 11, the interim turnout is 16.74%.
The polling stations are open!
The polling stations are open until 9:00 PM tonight. You can read an overview of all polling stations here.
Civics class
(publication date March 17)
In the run-up to the municipal elections, Mayor Leendert de Lange engaged in a discussion with students from Adelbert College. During this interactive civics class, about thirty senior students from Wassenaar, Voorschoten, and the surrounding area got an insight into local politics. The mayor explained the work of the municipality and his own involvement in politics. Two young, politically active (former) students also shared their experiences. The meeting concluded with a debate among the students on various statements. In the role of chairman, the mayor led the discussion, which covered topics such as traffic safety, nightlife options, and education. He also emphasized the importance of voting and urged everyone to exercise their right to vote during the elections.
Watch the election debate again
(publication date March 16)
The major election debate in Wassenaar took place Sunday afternoon at Raadhuis de Paauw. The lead candidates of the nine parties participating in the elections debated with each other.
Under the leadership of debate leader Rogier Elshout, VVD, Hart voor Wassenaar, Democratische Liberalen Wassenaar, GL-PvdA, CDA, D66, Lokaal Wassenaar!, Forum voor Democratie, and Volt debated with each other. In addition to the one-on-one debates, the politicians could respond to 'quick statements'.
Watch the debate again on the Centraal+ website
Call to 18-year-olds to vote
(publication date March 11)
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the municipal elections will be held. Have you just turned 18? This is your first opportunity to vote and directly help determine who will make decisions on your behalf for the next four years. About the future of your street, neighborhood, and our municipality.
Every vote counts. Because the decisions made by the 21 fellow villagers in the municipal council also affect your life. About housing, sports, safety, and the place where you grow up.
Voting does not mean you have to know everything or have strong opinions on every issue. It means you make your voice heard about what you find important. In your own way. And that is why every vote counts. See below the call from Mayor Leendert de Lange.
Accessible elections
(publication date March 5)
In the municipality of Wassenaar, we value a society where everyone can participate. That is why the municipality ensures that voting during the municipal elections is as accessible and inclusive as possible. View the overview on the page Accessibility of our polling stations.
The major election debate in Wassenaar on TV on Sunday, March 15
(publication date March 2)
The lead candidates of political parties in Wassenaar will debate with each other next Sunday, March 15, during 'The major election debate in Wassenaar'. The debate is organized by regional broadcaster Centraal+. The debate aims to introduce residents of Wassenaar in an accessible way to the participating parties and their positions.
At the start of the debate, each lead candidate will have one minute to introduce their party. This will be followed by a series of statements to which all participants can respond with 'agree or disagree'. Afterward, the parties will debate one-on-one, and other parties can use a joker to intervene in the debate. Participating in the debate are VVD, Hart voor Wassenaar, Lokaal Wassenaar!, CDA, D66, GroenLinks/PvdA, Democratische Liberalen Wassenaar, Forum voor Democratie, and Volt.
The debate will take place Sunday afternoon, March 15, in the council chamber of Raadhuis De Paauw. The broadcast starts at 4:00 PM and can be watched live via Ziggo 45, KPN 1492, and ODIDO 820. The debate can also be viewed online at www.centraalplus.nl.
Take the Vote Compass
(publication date February 18)
Here is the link to fill out the Vote Compass, which will help you discover which political party best matches your views.
Election posters on boards
(publication date February 17)
You may have already seen them; the boards with the election posters are now in various locations around Wassenaar.
Polling card, mayor's letter, and election leaflet
(publication date February 11)
The polling card for the municipal elections on March 18, 2026, has arrived at residents' homes today. Along with the polling card, you will receive a letter from the mayor and an election leaflet with practical information about voting.
Every vote counts. By voting, you help determine the future of Wassenaar.
Establishment of party numbers and candidate lists for the 2026 municipal elections
(publication date February 6)
During a public session on Friday, February 6, the Central Electoral Committee of Wassenaar, chaired by Mayor De Lange, decided on the validity of the submitted candidate lists for the upcoming elections. It was also established which candidates are definitively on the lists and which party designations are valid. Additionally, the numbers for the candidate lists were assigned; since Volt and Forum voor Democratie are participating in the elections in Wassenaar for the first time, a draw was held to determine which list number they would receive.
Establishment of party numbers
- VVD
- Hart voor Wassenaar
- Lokaal Wassenaar!
- GROENLINKS / Partij van de Arbeid (Pvda)
- CDA
- D66
- Democratische Liberalen Wassenaar (DLW)
- Forum voor Democratie
- Volt
View the minutes of the establishment of the party numbers and candidate lists.
Municipal Elections Leaflet
(publication date February 5)
Are you curious about what the municipal council does, how you can vote, and where the polling stations in Wassenaar are? Then check out the special election leaflet!
Election debates in Wassenaar
(publication date February 3)
Crooked Spider: Political Café (Langstraat 105)
- Wednesday, February 4: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 11: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 25: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Debate: De Vrienden van Wassenaar
- Wednesday, March 4. More information to follow
Final debate Centraal+ (Raadhuis De Paauw, Raadhuislaan 22)
- Sunday, March 15. More information to follow.