Amsterdam municipal elections 2026
It is important for status holders to make their voices heard on 18 March! Read about important election issues in this file. We also answer practical questions about voting in Amsterdam.
Ali Jawad (37) is from Lebanon and now lives in Amsterdam. Mental health is crucial for him. Without proper care, you lose your grip on life, he says. Now he helps others and urges people to vote.
Municipalities have an important role in the Netherlands. For example, they determine where houses can be built and how you can get benefits. The municipality of Amsterdam is also divided into several city districts and the city district Weesp. These city districts and the city area Weesp decide on things like the maintenance of parks and the layout of streets.
Abdulkadir Osman (25) came to the Netherlands from Somalia four years ago and has been residing in Amsterdam ever since. His path from the asylum reception centre to stable housing in the city reflects two of the main themes of the Amsterdam municipal elections on 18 March 2026: housing and integration of newcomers.
Seare Tafere (63) is from Ethiopia and has recently been living in Amsterdam. He received his residence status in 2025, when he stayed in the Netherlands for over two years. Since then, he has been looking for work, which he considers a basic necessity of life.
Jephias Mundawaro (60) is a professional engineer from Zimbabwe and former university lecturer. But despite his many attempts, he cannot harness his knowledge here.
Yodit Kidane is from Eritrea and has lived in Amsterdam Nieuw-West since 2014. She mainly counsels young people coming to the Netherlands from Eritrea, and sees how their integration is often hampered by language.
Wafaa Al-Attas (47) is a creative producer within the cultural sector. She is originally from Yemen and has lived in Amsterdam Nieuw-West since 2015. In her work, she sees to it that there is space for the migrant's original culture.
On Wednesday 18 March 2026, residents of Amsterdam will elect a new city council and district committees. Who gets to vote? What do these parties decide? And what should you bring with you to the polling station? Find out in this overview.
