Municipal elections are underway in the Netherlands, prompting a glance back at previous results as voters head to the polls on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Recent data reveals voting patterns from the last municipal elections, offering insights into regional political landscapes. Understanding these trends is crucial as the Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, prepares for another round of local governance decisions. The country shares borders with Germany and Belgium and faces the North Sea to the north and west, encompassing an area of approximately 41,865 km2 (16,164 mi2), according to World Atlas.
Historically, the term “Holland” originated as the name for one of the medieval cores of what became the modern state and is still used to refer to the provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, despite the country comprising 12 provinces as detailed in Britannica. This distinction between “Holland” and “Netherlands” is a common point of clarification for those unfamiliar with the country’s geography and political structure.
Looking back at the 2022 municipal elections, various regions are analyzing their past performance. For example, the municipality of Zeist is examining whether it will once again exceed the national average in voter turnout and support for particular parties, as reported by MeerRadio.
Other municipalities are also reviewing their 2022 results to gauge shifts in voter preferences. De Telegraaf provides a detailed breakdown of the outcomes in individual communities. Similarly, RTV Oost offers a regional perspective, examining how communities performed four years ago.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of the Netherlands itself, as well as territories in the Caribbean, with a history tracing back to the Spanish Netherlands and the Act of Abjuration in 1581, as outlined in Wikipedia. These elections represent a continuation of the country’s democratic processes and a key moment for local governance.
