Overview
- Statues were unveiled this week in Tilburg, Almere, Schiedam, Enschede, Tiel and Zaanstad as part of a ministry-led push to make local elections more visible.
- Officials say the goal is to show that every vote counts, with an emphasis on younger voters in municipalities that saw about 43% turnout in 2022 versus 51% nationally.
- Almere’s SALTY venue will host a polling station on March 18, with a youth political evening on March 4 and a debate with council members on March 11.
- Local residents modeled for the works, including Tilburg’s Simone Narraina, Almere’s 22-year-old Sanne Schulz, Schiedam’s Nick Grobbe and Tiel’s retiree Herry Leenders.
- A ministry quick poll indicates roughly 66% of voters intend to participate this year, and Tilburg’s statue is slated to move into the city council chamber after the launch.