Register new political party

A party name or not?

A political party can participate in municipal elections under a party name (called designation in the law). This name then appears at the top of the list of candidates and on the ballot paper.

You are not required to provide a party name in the registration. If you do not, your party will participate in the elections with a 'blank list'. No name will appear on the list of candidates and on the ballot paper. There will only be a list number.

More information on naming can be found at: www.kiesraad.nl/verkiezingen/gemeenteraden/partijnamen

When to register?

No later than Monday, December 22, 2025 before 5:00 p.m., register the party. To do so, you will make a physical appointment with team Elections at City Hall. You can make the appointment by sending an e-mail to verkiezingen@zoetermeer.nl.

What should you bring?

We need some documents (on paper) from you for registration. Therefore, please bring these documents with you at your appointment:

• A copy of the notarized deed establishing the bylaws of the association (political party).
• Proof of payment of a deposit of €112.50.
• The completed registration form (pdf)

What is the cost of registration?

You pay a deposit for registration. After handing in a valid candidate list, you will get the deposit back. You do not have to turn in this candidate list until February 2026.

Before December 22, 2025, transfer € 112.50 to account number NL14 BNGH 02850 10158 of Municipality of Zoetermeer, stating:

• Deposit registration 2026
• Name of political party
• Address to which the receipt should be sent

After payment, you will receive a proof of payment. This is one of the documents you must bring with you to the appointment for registration.

When do we not register your party?

• The party name (designation) violates public policy.
• The party name is the same or very similar to another political party already registered under the Elections Act. There may be confusion with this.
• The party name is otherwise misleading to voters.
• The party name is too long (more than 35 letters or other characters).
• The party name is the same or very similar to the name of a legal entity that was banned and therefore had to quit.
• The registration arrived at the central electoral committee on the same day as another registration with a party name that is the same or very similar. This does not apply if that other registration has already been rejected on any of the points mentioned above.

When do we register your batch?

• The party timely filed a request for registration with the municipal central election office
• The party is a legal entity, such as an association, and is registered with the Chamber of Commerce.
• The party has provided bylaws showing that it has political goals.
• The party has provided a clear and authorized name (designation) that may appear on the ballot.
• The party has paid a deposit unless it has already won a seat in the previous election.
• The name of the party meets the requirements of the Elections Act (such as no confusion with other parties or prohibited organizations).

The central election office of the municipality checks whether all conditions are met. If so, we register your party and the name appears on the ballot paper.

Party previously registered for House of Representatives or Provincial Council?

Parties that have already registered a party name (appellation) with the Central Voting Office for the elections to the House of Representatives or Provincial Councils do not have to register it again for the municipal elections. They also do not have to pay a deposit for this.

However, these parties must appoint an agent and an alternate. They may act on behalf of the party. This proxy (or his deputy) may in turn authorize someone to place the registered designation above the list of candidates.

Want to know more?

The Electoral Council's website has lots of information about the March 18, 2026 municipal elections: www.kiesraad.nl/verkiezingen/gemeenteraden

Questions?

The Elections team of the municipality of Zoetermeer is happy to assist you. You can send an e-mail to verkiezingen@zoetermeer.nl or call 14 079.