On October 29, 2025, the Dutch House of Representatives election will take place. That day, people go to the polls to elect members of the House of Representatives. We often get asked whether people in judicial institutions are allowed to vote. They are. All people in judicial institutions who are 18 years or older and have the right to vote are allowed to vote in elections. Voting is voluntary.
Informed in advance
When an election is held, inmates - that is, people who are in a judicial institution - receive information about it in advance from DJI. This happens well in time so they can arrange a proxy. They can contact DJI staff with questions about the election, as well as for forms or a copy of their ID.
How does voting work?
Article B6 of the Electoral Act states that inmates vote by proxy. If an inmate has periodic leave or other freedom of movement on election day, they can vote at a public polling station. Voting by proxy can be done in two ways:
- written proxy
The easiest way for an inmate to authorize someone is through a written proxy. The inmate does not need a voting pass or a (copy of an) ID for this. However, the authorization form Request to vote by proxy is required. - private proxy
An inmate can also authorize someone else via a private proxy. This can be done in two ways: by filling in the back of the voting pass or via a voter pass. The voter pass can be requested via the application form Request for a voter pass. In both cases of the private proxy, a copy of an ID is required.
The Electoral Act contains the rules for authorizing someone else to vote. These rules apply to everyone in the Netherlands who is allowed to vote, including inmates. Information about authorizing and the required documents can be found on the page Can I ask someone else to vote for me? of the government website.
Polling station on the grounds of PI Zuid-Oost
On the grounds of the penitentiary institution Zuid-Oost, Ter Peel location, there is a separate building: the Bajescafé. This café is accessible to the public. For the House of Representatives election on October 29, 2025, a polling station will be set up here. The polling station is open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Inmates of the Ter Peel location and citizens can vote in this polling station. This location has a unique building situation, allowing the polling station to meet the requirements of the Electoral Act.
More information
If you want to know more about how inmates can vote, please visit our theme page about elections in the Netherlands. Information about the House of Representatives election can be found on the website of the Electoral Council.
