Putten sets record with 68% voter turnout and unprecedented civic engagement
Residents of Putten have shown remarkable civic engagement, with a 68% voter turnout in the recent elections—5% higher than four years ago. Over 1,100 locals also participated in a downtown survey, reflecting a community deeply invested in shaping its future.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Voter turnout | 68% (5% higher than 2022) |
| Survey respondents | 1,100 (exceeding the required 300 for reliability) |
| Location | Putten, Gelderland |
| Meeting venue | De Huifkar (downtown working group) |
| Survey benchmark | Highest response rate recorded by the agency in any municipality |
| Election campaign activities | Door-to-door flyers, social media, bus shelter ads, lamppost banners |
The municipality of Putten plays a central role in facilitating local democracy and community engagement. As a governing body, it organizes elections, conducts resident surveys, and supports initiatives that shape the village’s development, such as the downtown revitalization efforts.
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Putten loves Putten
Column by alderman Ewoud 't Jong
Putten residents are deeply involved in their village. I’ve experienced this over the past few years, and it was confirmed again last week during the elections.
High turnout
The weather was nice, which certainly helped, but what an impressive turnout. Over 68%, and that’s more than 5% higher than four years ago. Can you imagine what the turnout would have been if our mayor had promised to abseil down the church tower? The high turnout shows your engagement and gives the new municipal council a strong mandate to get to work in the coming period.
Downtown approach
Besides the election results night, the downtown working group also met. Shopkeepers, property owners, the VVV (tourist information), representatives from the hospitality sector, sports, recreation, and ordinary residents… About 25 of us gathered at De Huifkar. This alderman was there too, and it helped me get through those last tense hours before the polls closed. Once again, I was struck by the residents’ commitment to the village.
Resident survey
That evening, the results of the resident survey were presented. What do you think of the downtown area, and what would you like to see there? Chances are you also filled out this survey, because no fewer than 1,100 people did. For a reliable survey, we needed 300 respondents—we far exceeded that. The agency conducting the survey has never collected more than 600 responses anywhere else, not even in larger towns. In Putten, we nearly doubled that. Again, it’s all about that commitment.
Campaign
Over the past few months, the political parties have been very active. No stone was left unturned: door-to-door flyers, canvassing, social media videos, bus shelter ads, lamppost banners, banners, promoting parties at the market, and taking to the streets on Saturdays. It was great to see how council members, board members, and volunteers all put in so much effort for the village. Once again, it’s all about that commitment.
Positive outlook
Let’s hold onto that commitment and work together for Putten. There’s one thing I’d like to get off my chest, though. Asking questions is fine, and criticism is welcome—it only makes plans better. But let that commitment always be driven by substance. Putten loves Putten.
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