FAQ Second Chamber Elections

On March 15th, elections for the Second Chamber take place.

This flyer intends to inform you as completely as possible, about
the voting process, so that you are able to vote as a well-informed
citizen.

What do I vote for in the elections for

the Second Chamber?
The Second Chamber consists of 150 members, who represent the
Dutch population, so also you in the Caribbean Netherlands.
The Second Chamber controls the government and makes new
laws, together with the government. By voting, you have the ability
to influence the decisions made by the Second Chamber.

Does the Second Chamber also decide on issues that

have consequences for me on my island?
Yes, they do. The Second Chamber decides among others on health
care, child support, study financing and safety at work. By voting
you determine your future.

How

can I vote for the Second Chamber elections?
To vote, you need your voting pass and proper identification.
You need to take both to the polling station. At the latest, you will
receive your voting pass 14 days before the elections.
Your identification is valid if its expiration date is shorter than
5 years.
 Can I give someone power of attorney to vote for me?
Yes, you can. If you cannot vote yourself due to illness or because
Where can I cast my vote in the elections?
With your voting pass, you can vote at any polling station.
you are on vacation, you can proxy someone to vote for you. You
can do that either with your voting pass or with an authorization The locations in Saba are:
form. The Queen Wilhemina Library (The Bottom)
Eugenius Johnson Center (Windwardside)
How do I authorize someone to vote for me with
my voting pass? The location in St. Eustatius is:
You can use your voting pass to give power of attorney to some- Ernest (Mike) van Putten Youth Center
one, if both you and the authorized person are registered on the
same island. First, you need to fill in the back of your voting pass
to authorize someone. Then, both you and your proxy have to The polling stations are open from 7.30 AM to 9.00 PM.
sign the voting pass. The proxy also needs a copy of your identifi-
cation to show at the polling station.
Prevent abuse of your identification! State on the copy that it can How

do I vote?
You can only vote for one candidate on one list of one political
be used only for proxy voting during the elections. Ask for return
of the copy after it has been used. party. The candidates of each party are listed together under one
Your proxy voter has to live on the same island as you do. He/she political party. The number one on the list of each political party
can only cast your power of attorney vote simultaneously with is the leading candidate for that party.
his own vote. A proxy voter can only represent two powers of Your vote is void if you color multiple boxes on the ballot or
attorney. draw or write on the form. So only color one box and do not write
or draw anything on the ballot!
How do I authorize someone to vote for me with an
authorization form?


You can cast a blank vote, if you so wish. To cast a blank vote you
do not fill anything on the ballot. If you write or draw something
To give power of attorney to someone who is not registered on on a blank vote, your vote will be voided.
the same island as you are, you need to submit a written request.
The forms to do that are available at the Department of Civil Affairs Where can I find information about the political
parties?
(Census Office) of the Public Entity. Both you and the person casting
the vote on your behalf have to sign this form. The authorized RCN does not give information about the political parties
individual receives a certificate of authorization, which he/she participating in the elections. Voters of the Caribbean Netherlands
can use on your behalf. The form has to be submitted no later can obtain this information through the political parties
than March 10th 2017. You can also make a verbal request at the themselves. The parties have websites, which include their
Department of Civil Affairs of the Public Entity to vote by proxy. election program. There are 28 parties that are participating in
This can be done at the latest on March 14th 2017, 12.00 AM. elections for the Second Chamber. Voters of the Caribbean
Netherlands can vote on 17 parties.
Can

I vote for someone with a mental disability?
The right to vote is an individual right that also counts for persons Where can I find more information about the
with a mental disability. Therefore, it is not allowed to help voters Second Chamber elections?
with a mental impairment at the ballot box. However, explanation Visit our website
outside the ballot box is allowed. (www.rijksdienstcn.com/tweedekamerverkiezingen2017)
Voters, who have a physical disability, for example the blind, the or our Facebook page for more information.
visually impaired or people with Parkinsons disease, can be
assisted during voting.

A general power of attorney to perform legal acts for someone with

a mental disability is not valid during elections. The voter with the
mental disability however, can give you power of attorney to vote
for him.