Stemgerechtigd

Stemgerechtigd is the Dutch term for a person who has the right to vote in elections. The status is defined by law and can apply to one or more electoral processes. Whether someone is stemgerechtigd depends on rules set by government authorities and can vary by the level and type of election.

Common prerequisites include age, citizenship or residency, and the absence of any legal disqualifications. In many jurisdictions the standard minimum age is 18 on election day. Citizenship often determines eligibility for national elections, while residency rules may apply for local or regional elections. In some systems, certain non-citizen residents may have voting rights in specific elections, and rights can be temporarily suspended in certain legal circumstances.

In the Netherlands, the rules differ by election type. For national elections, voting typically requires Dutch citizenship and a minimum age of 18. For European Parliament elections, EU citizens living in the Netherlands who are 18 or older can vote. For municipal elections, eligibility generally depends on residency in the municipality and being of voting age, with precise conditions varying by election and locality. The exact criteria are published by official election authorities and can change over time.

Disqualification can occur if a person is legally deprived of voting rights, or if they do not meet the required age or residency conditions. The concept of stemgerechtigd emphasizes the legal right to participate in the democratic process, distinct from the act of casting a ballot.

See also Kiesrecht; Kiesgerechtigd; Voter rights.