Frequently Asked Questions About the Elections

The General Board (AB)—also known as the Board of Principal Landowners (CHI)—is the highest governing body within the water board. This board establishes strategic policy and financial frameworks. Our board members advocate for the interests of residents, as well as for farmers and nature. As a board member, you are responsible, together with the other board members, for establishing the water board’s policy, electing the executive committee, and subsequently monitoring whether the executive committee is implementing the policy properly. The AB’s meetings are open to the public.

The AB can exert influence through board meetings:

1. That is where they make decisions and prepare them.
2. They determine the amount of the water board tax.
3. They decide how we will allocate the funds among the various projects.
4. They take all the different interests into account.
5. They keep track of things over the long term and establish rules for that purpose.
6. They oversee the day-to-day management.

Water Board elections are held every four years. If you are elected, you will generally serve as a member of the Executive Board for four years, after which you may stand for re-election for another term. In the event of pregnancy, childbirth, or illness, you may request a temporary leave of absence. During that period, a substitute may be appointed as a board member.

The amount of time required for water board work ultimately depends on your own ambitions. The 30 members of the Executive Board meet approximately once a month (about 10 times a year). For meeting dates, please check themeeting calendar at. Each Executive Board meeting is preceded by a committee meeting, during which decisions are prepared. All dates are set a year in advance, so you can plan accordingly.

The rules governing the legal status, election, compensation, and related matters for water board directors are set forth in the Decree on the Legal Status of Local Elected Officials. Effective from the day of their swearing-in and for the duration of their membership on the Executive Board, members receive a monthly compensation of €857.36 for their duties. This amount is adjusted annually for inflation. In addition, members of the Executive Board receive an expense allowance of €223.50 per month. Party group chairs also receive an annual allowance, depending on the duration of the chairmanship and the number of members in the party group. A member of the AB is also entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses for attending meetings and travel and accommodation expenses for trips undertaken in the performance of their duties.

Yes, that is possible. The AB meetings are typically held on Wednesday evenings. Most CHI members balance their board duties with a job. See themeeting calendarat for more information. All meeting dates are set a year in advance, so you can plan accordingly.

As a board member, you have your own responsibilities and can contribute your own vision and that of your party, but ultimately, together with the other board members, you are responsible for establishing the water board’s policies, appointing the executive committee, and then ensuring that the executive committee implements those policies properly.

• More information on the legal status of a general director of a water board 

The board of a water board consists of a General Assembly (CHI), an Executive Committee (comprising the dike reeve and the water commissioners, D&H), and a chairperson (the dike reeve). The members of the Executive Board are elected every four years through the Water Board elections. The Executive Board consists of a section representing general interests (for all residents) and a section representing specific interests (farmers and owners of nature reserves). The AB establishes the water board’s policy. The executive committee is primarily responsible for preparing and implementing that policy. The AB monitors whether the executive committee—supported by the administrative staff—is implementing that policy properly.

To be eligible to vote in the election, you must reside within the jurisdiction of the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board or intend to move there, and you must be 18 years of age or older during the term of the Administrative Board. Furthermore, you must not be disqualified from voting.

For clarification:

• The date used to determine eligibility regarding residence and age requirements is the date of (possible) admission to the General Board. A candidate who is under 18 years of age may be placed on the list of candidates, but must reach the age of majority during the term of office of the newly elected General Board.
• Candidates who live outside our jurisdiction must submit a statement indicating their intention to take up residence within the boundaries of our jurisdiction if they are elected to the AB.
• Dutch citizenship is not a requirement for admission to the AB.

There are three ways to register as a candidate for the Water Board elections:

1. apply for a guaranteed seat on the board of LTO Noord (farmers) or the VBNE (nature);
2. join an existing (political) party;
3. run on your own ticket.

One way to participate in the elections is to join an (existing political) party. Another option is to apply for a reserved seat with LTO Noord (farmers) or the VBNE (nature). You may also run on your own ticket if you wish. Your (political) party must be registered with the water board. Parties have until December 21, 2026, to register with the HHNK central election committee.

• Election Council website
• Websites and contact information for the political parties' caucuses: please visit the "General Board Composition" page and click on the photos of the party of your choice