Dutch government consults on smaller ballot paper for 2029

The Dutch government has opened a public consultation on a bill to introduce a smaller ballot paper nationwide, aiming for voters to use it from the 2029 European elections.

Under the proposed design, voters mark both a party and the number of their chosen candidate. Candidate names would be printed on a separate list in the polling booth rather than on the ballot paper. The Interior Ministry says the smaller format should be easier to handle and read, and quicker to count.

The new ballot has been tested in 11 municipalities during the past three elections. The ministry says voters, municipalities and polling-station staff responded positively. It also acknowledges a drawback: invalid votes were slightly more common in the trials than with the current ballot, and some voters may need time to get used to the new method.

The consultation is open until 15 January 2027. The bill is then expected to go to the Council of State, with the government expecting to submit it to the House of Representatives before summer 2027.

The same 11 municipalities have been invited to use the new ballot at the provincial and water board elections on 17 March 2027. The government says experience from that vote will inform plans for nationwide introduction.