Elections, empower another person

Are you unable to vote because you are sick or on vacation, for example? Then you can ask someone else to vote for you. This is called authorization.

Please note that the initiative to have someone vote for you must always come from within yourself. It is not allowed (and even punishable) to approach other voters with the request to grant a proxy.

How can I authorize another voter?

You can ask someone to vote for you in two ways:

1. through your voting card (private proxy);

2. via an authorization form (written power of attorney).

Authorize someone through the voting card (private proxy)

You can authorize someone through the voting card, for example, if you are sick on the day you want to vote.

You may choose whom you authorize. The person who votes for you (the proxy) must:

  • eligible to vote;
  • live in the same municipality as you. If the person voting for you (the proxy) does not live in your municipality you can fill out an authorization form (see under "written proxy");
  • cast your vote at the same time as your own.

Authorizing someone through your voting card works like this:

  • You fill out the back of your voting card. Do this with the person you want to authorize, then you can be sure you are authorizing the right person.
  • Give the proxy your voting card and a copy of your ID. This may also be a legible photo of your ID on a cell phone or tablet. 
  • The proxy shows the copy of your ID at the polling station. The proxy must also show his/her own ID. 

A proxy may vote for up to two other persons.

Authorize someone through an authorization form (written power of attorney)

You can also authorize another voter to vote for you using an authorization form. This is called a written proxy. A written proxy allows you to authorize someone from the same municipality or another municipality to vote for you.

You can use a written power of attorney, for example, if:

  • you are not in the municipality on the day you can vote.
  • You cannot provide a copy of your proof of identity. For example, because your proof of identity has expired for more than 5 years and you can no longer apply for a new proof of identity in time.

The person voting for you (the proxy) must:

  • eligible to vote;
  • cast your vote at the same time as his own.

Authorizing someone through an authorization form works like this:

You can pick up a form for this purpose at the municipality's front desk or download it via this link: Arrange written power of attorney online

You and the person who will vote for you (the proxy) fill out the form. Have the person you want to authorize fill out the form first before you do it yourself. This way you can be sure that you are authorizing the right person.

The proxy receives a proxy card that allows him/her to vote for you. Once the municipality has approved the proxy card, the proxy card cannot be revoked.

The proxy takes the written proxy card to the polling station at the same time as your own voting card. You do not need to provide a copy of your ID.

Where should the authorization form go?

The form must be received by the municipality no later than Friday, October 24. You can also drop the form off at our offices in Brielle, Hellevoetsluis or Rockanje.

Addresses and opening hours:

  • Brielle, Slagveld 36 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 
  • Hellevoetsluis, Oostzanddijk 26 Monday-Friday 08.00-17.00 and Thursday evening from 18.00-19.30 hours
  • Rockanje, Raadhuislaan 6, Monday through Friday 8:00-12:0 a.m.

How do I provide a secure copy of my ID to the person I want to authorize?

With the Rijksoverheid's KopieID app, you can securely make a copy of your identity document. You can then make the photo and Citizen Service Number (BSN) unreadable.

Note: Look carefully on your ID card where your BSN is located. This number may also be located in a (machine-readable) strip at the bottom of the document. Make your BSN illegible there as well.

Ue name, date of birth, signature and period of validity of the document are required for identification. Therefore, you must not make these details illegible.

The CopyID app also allows you to add a watermark to the copy. In this watermark, you state the purpose for which you are making the copy and the date you made the copy. You can then send or print the copy.

Download copyID app

You can download the from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is a publication of the National Agency for Identity Data, part of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.

I want to authorize someone, but I can't sign a signature

Do you want to authorize someone, but you cannot sign and your identity document says "unable to sign"? Then you can authorize someone to vote for you without a signature.

You then do not have to sign the written proxy or authorization through your voting card. The municipality or the polling station checks whether the comment "unable to sign" is also in your identity document. If so, someone else can vote for you.

Voter must ask himself

The initiative to authorize another voter always lies with the voter him/herself and not with the proxy. This means that the voter himself/herself must ask someone else to vote for him/her.

How many people can I vote for with a proxy?

You may cast a proxy vote for up to 2 other voters per election. This can only be done at the same time you cast your own vote.

Proxy solicitation is punishable

Proxy canvassing means that someone asks voters, or otherwise approaches voters, to sign and deliver their voting cards. This is punishable. It is also punishable to bribe a voter through a gift or promise. Or to otherwise force the voter to give a proxy.

Do you think votes are being canvassed? Report this to the police.