Who will be the new children's mayor?
Would you like to give children in Zoetermeer a voice? Do you enjoy meeting new people, participating in special activities, and working with the mayor? Then we’re looking for you!
Our current child mayor, Sarah, is nearing the end of her term. That’s why we’re looking for a new child mayor for Zoetermeer. Are you in 7th grade? Then you can apply!
What does the children's mayor do?
As a children's mayor, you represent the children of Zoetermeer. You contribute your thoughts, listen to other children's ideas, and share what children find important.
But you do so much more than that! As a child mayor:
- You'll join the mayor for fun and unique activities
- Do you ever open an event or give a short speech?
- Do you listen to children's ideas in Zoetermeer?
- You share your experiences, for example, in videos for social media
- You'll be there for special moments in the city
For example, you’ll be there for the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Festival of Lights, King’s Day, the May 4 commemoration, and the Mayor’s Breakfast.
I want to be a children’s mayor, too. How do I sign up for the election?
Every (school) year, Zoetermeer selects a new children’s mayor. Following our call for applications in September, you can apply for the 2026–2027 school year (November through November).
You can sign up as:
- you live in Zoetermeer and go to school there
- you're in 7th grade
- you enjoy talking with other children and adults
- you have enough time to serve as children's mayor for a whole year
- if your parents or guardians approve
Of course, you don't have to be able to be a real mayor just yet. The most important thing is that you're enthusiastic, like to share your opinions, and are curious about what other kids think.
How do you sign up?
Record a video of up to 1 minute in which you explain:
- who you are
- what you enjoy and find important
- Why you want to become a children's mayor
- What you would like to do for the children of Zoetermeer
- Send your video as an MP4 file or YouTube link to kinderburgemeester@zoetermeer.nl by October 4, 2026, at the latest.
- In your email, please also include your name, address, city, phone number, the name of your school, and the contact information for one of your parents or guardians
What happens after I sign up?
A jury will review all applications and select up to 10 nominees who will be invited to give a pitch during the election. The election will be held on Monday, November 9, at 4:00 p.m. Afterward, the nominees will vote among themselves to choose the new children’s mayor. You will be sworn in prior to the council meeting on November 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. You’ll be presented with the chain of office, and then you can really get to work!
Who is the children's mayor?
Last year, Sarah was the children’s mayor of Zoetermeer. When asked why she wanted to become children’s mayor, Sarah said, “I want to give children a voice because they are our future, too. And I think it’s important that all children have enough opportunities.”
Who served as children's mayor before Sarah?
Last (school) year, Steff was the children’s mayor of Zoetermeer: “I’m very proud that I got to be the children’s mayor of Zoetermeer. I really enjoyed it and wore the chain of office with pride.”
Contact
Do you have any questions or comments? Please email kinderburgemeester@zoetermeer.nl.
