Exploring Why Citizens Vote or Do Not Vote

Researchers explore why residents do or do not vote in municipal elections and how differences in voter turnout and representation between neighbourhoods can be reduced.

Motieven van stemmers en niet-stemmers onderzocht

If we want to understand why people disengage from local politics, we need to go into neighbourhoods and listen to their stories. That is where insights for a more inclusive democracy emerge.

– Marianne van Bochove

Introduction

In this project, the research groups Urban Social Development and Public Governance collaborate with Universiteit Utrecht and Experts in Media en Maatschappij (EMMA) to investigate why residents do or do not vote in municipal elections. The study focuses on differences between neighbourhoods in Den Haag, Almere, Weert, and Oldambt and explores how the perceived distance between citizens and local politics can be reduced.

Project Background

Voter turnout in Dutch municipal elections has consistently been lower than in national elections. Significant differences also exist between neighbourhoods: in some areas more than 75 percent of eligible voters participate, while in others turnout remains around 25 percent. Building on earlier research conducted after the 2022 elections, this project examines what has changed and what has remained the same between 2022 and 2026.

Objective

To gain insight into voting behaviour and develop perspectives for reducing inequalities in voter turnout and political representation.

Target Group

The project targets municipalities, policymakers, researchers, and societal organisations working on local democracy and inclusive representation. Residents and local key figures are also important participants in the research process.

Method

Researchers conduct comparative qualitative research in different neighbourhoods across four municipalities. Through street interviews with residents and in-depth interviews with local key figures, such as community workers and neighbourhood police officers, experiences and perspectives are collected.

Results

The project will deliver a report covering findings across four municipalities, presentations for each municipality, and a chapter in the Local Voter Research report. The study also builds on earlier publications about low turnout, non-voters, and representation in cities including Rotterdam and The Hague.

Impact

The research contributes to a better understanding of inequalities in political participation and representation between neighbourhoods. The findings help municipalities and societal organisations develop policies and interventions that strengthen engagement with local democracy and reduce the distance between citizens and municipal politics.

More Information

Earlier publications within this research programme include:

Start and End Date

March 2026 – November 2026

Funding

The research is funded by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Additional in-depth local research is funded by the municipalities of The Hague, Almere, and Oldambt.

Collaboration

The project is carried out in collaboration with:

  • Universiteit Utrecht 
  • Experts in Media en Maatschappij (EMMA) 
  • The Hague University of Applied Sciences

 Within the Hague University of Applied Sciences, the following research groups collaborate:

Team

The Hague University for Applied Sciences 

  • Marianne van Bochove 
  • Christine Bleijenberg 
  • Arjan Hoeblal 
  • Isa Huizinga 
  • Selin Ergin 
  • Hanar Sabir 

EMMA

  • Merel van Rees 
  • Hans Moors 
  • Ton Baetens 
  • Koen Gruijters 

Universiteit Utrecht

  • Hans Vollaard 

Contact

Marianne van Bochove
[email protected]