Participating in the 2026 municipal elections

Would you like your party to participate in the municipal elections in Kerkrade on March 18? If so, you must register the name of your political party. You can do this at the central polling station in Kerkrade. 

For the 2026 municipal elections, you must register your party name before December 22, 2025.

If your party name is registered with the Electoral Council for the House of Representatives, with the central electoral committee of the province of Limburg, or with the central electoral committee of the municipality of Kerkrade, registration is not necessary.

Registered political designations Municipality of Kerkrade

Register party name

Only groups that are associations with full legal capacity may register a name (designation) with the central electoral committee.

To register a party name, you will need the following:

  • the completed form Request for registration of a designation (Model G 1-1);
  • a copy of the notarial deed containing the association's articles of association;
  • proof of payment of the deposit;
  • a statement from the political group designating an authorized representative and a substitute representative;
  • your identification document.

The deposit (€112.50) can be transferred to bank account NL49BNGH0285004484 in the name of Gemeente Kerkrade, stating 'deposit for registration of political party (name of party)'.

You must submit your registration to the central electoral office. To do so, you can Make an appointment. Please contact us on 14 045.

Timeline for political parties

  • December 22, 2025: last day to register for municipal elections;
  • January 19, 2026: deadline for the deposit (€225.00) for the candidacy to be paid into the account of the municipality of Kerkrade;
  • Until February 2, 2026: submitting declarations of support for parties that do not yet have a seat on the municipal council;
  • January 26, 2026: early submission of candidate lists;
  • February 2, 2026: nomination day: submission of candidate lists.

For more information about Requirements, procedures, and dates, visit the website of the Electoral Council.

Support from the Municipality of Kerkrade

The Municipality of Kerkrade is happy to assist in organizing and facilitating the election process. You can find all available information on the municipal council elections information page. 

Local activities are also organized to inform residents about who is participating in the elections. These activities are described in the Election Roadmap on the municipal council website.  

Questions? 

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office