Detainees retain voting rights in upcoming Dutch municipal elections
Dutch detainees can still exercise their democratic right to vote in the 18 March municipal elections. The government ensures access through proxy voting and public polling stations near select detention centers, enabling participation despite restrictions.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | 18 March 2026 |
| Eligible Voters | Detainees aged 18+ with voting rights |
| Voting Method | Proxy voting (written or informal) |
| Proxy Form | Model L 8 (written proxy) or back of polling card (informal proxy) |
| Polling Stations | Bajescafé (Horst aan de Maas) and DJI Conference Centre (Stichtse Vecht) |
| Polling Station Hours | Bajescafé: 09:00–13:00; DJI Centre: 07:30–21:00 |
| Voting in Person | Only if detainee has periodic leave or freedom of movement |
| Supporting Agency | Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen (DJI) |
The Dutch government, through the Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen (DJI), ensures that detainees can participate in democratic processes like municipal elections. DJI provides logistical support, such as proxy voting forms and information, to uphold the voting rights of incarcerated individuals as mandated by electoral law.
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Detainees can also vote in municipal elections
On 18 March 2026, municipal elections will be held in the Netherlands. On that day, we will go to the polls to elect the members of the municipal councils in Dutch municipalities. We are often asked whether people in detention can also vote.
Yes, they can. All individuals in detention who meet the voting age of 18 and have the right to vote may participate in elections. Voting is voluntary.
Advance information
When elections are held, detainees—those in detention—receive advance information from the DJI (Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen). This is done well in advance so they can arrange a proxy vote. They can also approach DJI staff with questions about the elections, or to obtain a proxy voting form or a copy of their ID.
How does voting work?
Article B6 of the Electoral Act states that detainees must vote by proxy. If a detainee has periodic leave or other freedom of movement on election day, they may vote in person at a public polling station. Proxy voting can be done in two ways:
- Written proxy: The easiest way for a detainee to authorise someone is through a written proxy. They do not need a polling card or a (copy of an) ID for this, only the proxy voting form 'Request to vote by proxy', model L 8.
- Informal proxy: A detainee can also authorise someone through an informal proxy. For municipal elections, this can only be done by filling out the back of the polling card.
The rules for proxy voting are set out in the Electoral Act and apply to all eligible voters in the Netherlands, including detainees. Information on proxy voting and the required documents can be found on the Dutch government’s page How can I ask someone else to vote for me?
Polling stations at PI Zuid-Oost Ter Peel and PI Utrecht Nieuwersluis
No polling stations—including mobile ones—are set up within detention facilities.
At the penitentiary institution Zuid-Oost Ter Peel, there is a separate building: the Bajescafé, which is accessible to the public. For the municipal elections on 18 March 2026, a polling station will be set up here. This polling station will be open to voters from the municipality of Horst aan de Maas from 09:00 to 13:00. The unique architectural layout of this location allows the polling station to meet the requirements of the Electoral Act.
A polling station will also be set up in the DJI Conference Centre, located on the grounds of the penitentiary institution Utrecht Nieuwersluis. On 18 March 2026, this polling station will be open to voters from the municipality of Stichtse Vecht from 07:30 to 21:00. Here too, the unique architectural circumstances allow the polling station to meet the requirements of the Electoral Act.
More information
For more information on how detainees can vote, visit our themed page on elections in the Netherlands. General information about the municipal elections is available on the website of the Electoral Council. You can find the polling stations in your municipality on the website Where is my polling station?