Over the past two days, approximately 1,600 polling stations were open throughout the Netherlands to enable vulnerable people to vote in this year’s general elections. Today, all 9,200 stations will open for the final day of voting.
Monday and Tuesday saw 12% of the Dutch population cast their votes (not including postal votes.) Today, the majority of the population will decide the outcome of the House of Representatives elections.
Polls open on the third and final day of Covid-dominated Dutch elections. @AFP live in The Hague pic.twitter.com/ybh8CHXdf2
— Danny Kemp (@dannyctkemp) March 17, 2021
No drastic outcomes expected
It is expected that the Dutch government will not see a drastic reshuffle of power. Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s party, the VVD (The People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) is likely to emerge successful yet again.
However, the party will see its power drop slightly, with polls estimating that the VVD will obtain two less seats than it estimated a week ago. Meanwhile, D66 (Democrats 66), led by Sigrid Kaag, is slowly gaining power with three more seats expected to come their way.
A competition for second place
While there is no neck and neck race to observe in the bid for first place in this general election, the second place spot is unknown at this point.
According to three different polling guides (Kantar, I&O Research and IPSOS/EenVandaag), D66, PVV (Party for Freedom) and CDA (The Christian Democratic Appeal) are all second place potentials.
Special arrangements
The government have brought in various coronavirus measures for voters. At polling stations, pencils, voting booths and tables will be cleaned regularly and screens are placed between voters and workers at the stations.
De Jonge had een oud paspoort en moest terug voor een geldig ID-bewijs? Hij zit in de auto! Dan heeft hij toch z’n rijbewijs bij zich. Zou je zeggen. #TK2021 pic.twitter.com/ubGIyeIkgS
— Robbert de Rijk (@robbertderijk) March 17, 2021
Over 70’s were able to vote via post this year. However, due to lack of clarity, many elderly voters forgot to enclose their voting pass in their postal vote. If this was the case, they may still go to polling stations today and recast their vote.
If they do not feel safe doing this, they may also choose someone to vote on their behalf at the station (as long as they have their voting pass.)
The first exit poll will be released by the NOS at 9PM.
How do you feel about this year’s elections? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Feature Image: Alireza Parpaei/Unsplash
