Alkmaar residents head to polls on 18 March: what you need to know to vote
On 18 March, Alkmaar residents will elect their local representatives, shaping decisions on housing, care, and sustainability for the next four years. Here’s how, where, and when you can cast your vote—plus special assistance for voters with disabilities.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Election Date | 18 March 2026 |
| Polling Hours | 7:30 – 21:00 (most stations) |
| Early Voting | Stedelijk Museum (00:00–02:00) |
| Special Polling Stations | Kruithuisje (10:00–20:00), Alkmaar Station (7:30–21:00), Salvation Army (Noord) |
| Accessibility | Braille lists, magnifiers, sign language support, and transport for disabled |
| ID Requirement | Valid ID (max 5 years expired) |
| Provisional Results | Announced after 21:00 on election day |
| Final Results | 26 March 2026, 10:00 (Town Hall) |
The Municipality of Alkmaar organizes local elections to ensure democratic representation in decision-making on municipal issues like housing, care, and sustainability. It is responsible for facilitating voting access, counting ballots, and announcing results transparently.
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Read the full translated article below
Municipal elections on 18 March: how you can vote
On Wednesday, 18 March 2026, residents of the municipality of Alkmaar will go to the polls for the municipal elections. With your vote, you determine who will make decisions over the next four years on issues in the municipality, such as housing, care, sustainability and liveability.
The polling stations will be open that day from 7:30 to 21:00. With the poll card you received at home in February, you can vote at any polling station in Alkmaar. The poll card states the nearest polling station, but you may also go to another polling station in the municipality.
After the polling stations close, the votes will be counted. The provisional results will be announced on the evening of the election after 21:00.
Special polling stations
If you would like to vote early, you can do so at the Stedelijk Museum on Canadaplein. There will be a polling station open from 00:00 to 02:00.
For this election, the Kruithuisje on Clarissenbolwerk has also been set up as a polling station. You can vote there between 10:00 and 20:00.
Travelling by train? You can vote at the polling station in Alkmaar Station, which is open from 7:30 to 21:00. Near Alkmaar Noord Station, you can vote at the Salvation Army on Burgpoelwaard.
An overview of all polling stations is available at Stembureaus, waar kan ik stemmen? – Gemeente Alkmaar
Assistance with voting
The municipality wants everyone to be able to vote independently. For this reason, each polling station has aids available, such as a large candidate list and a magnifying glass with lighting.
The polling station at Wijkcentrum Thuis in Overdie has been specially set up for blind and visually impaired voters. There is a braille candidate list and a volunteer from the Dutch Association of the Blind can assist with voting. If you do not have your own transport, you can arrange transport to this polling station via the municipality’s WMO (14 072).
At all polling stations, you can also use Remote Interpreter. Via a QR code at the chairperson’s table, you can receive support in text or sign language.
Still unsure who to vote for?
If you would like to learn more about the parties’ positions, you can use the Kieskompas Alkmaar at alkmaar.kieskompas.nl. You can also listen to interviews with the lead candidates via kiezenvooralkmaar.nl. An overview of all the parties taking part in the elections is available at alkmaar.nl/gemeenteraadsverkiezingen.
Who can vote?
You can vote if you are 18 or older, live in the municipality of Alkmaar and have not been excluded from your right to vote. On election day, bring your poll card and a valid ID. This ID may be no more than five years expired.
If you are unable to go to the polling station yourself, you can authorise someone to vote on your behalf.
If you make a mistake on the ballot paper, you can return it to the chairperson of the polling station. You will then receive a new ballot paper once. If you cast a blank vote, it will count towards turnout but will not affect the allocation of seats.
Determination of the results
The central polling station will determine the final results during a public meeting on Thursday, 26 March 2026 at 10:00 in the council chamber of Alkmaar Town Hall.
For more information, visit Verkiezingen – Gemeente Alkmaar