Mayor of Heerlen Roel Wever will roll up his sleeves in the coming weeks to boost the turnout of the upcoming municipal elections. For example, he organizes a breakfast on Monday where citizens can ‘speed-date’ with councilors.
“People hear a lot about what is going on nationally and are therefore frightened,” says Wever on Sunday evening in L1mburg Central.
Low turnout
The turnout in Heerlen’s municipal elections was relatively low four years ago, says Mayor Wever. Nationally, the turnout figures were around 55 percent. Less than 45 percent of the inhabitants of Heerlen voted.
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A survey in Heerlen shows that the interest in the municipal elections appears to be on the low side. “It doesn’t interest me that much,” says a man. “Whether it is there or not, I don’t think it matters much.” In addition, some residents feel that their vote is of little use. “People promise you so much and you can never tell if it’s true,” says another resident.
According to Mayor Wever, the lack of interest is often based on national politics. Citizens get relatively more about this. “But there are also socio-economic factors that prevent people from going to the polls easily.”
Speed date breakfast
Reason enough for Wever to work on the turnout during the municipal elections. According to the Heerlen mayor, an accessible breakfast on Monday with citizens and councilors should help to clarify the role of the city council. During breakfast, citizens are given the opportunity to ‘speed-date’ with councilors to find out more.
The mayor sees it as a moment to emphasize the role of the municipality. “I will explain there: How does such a council work, what do they all do and what does the municipality do for you? Many people do not realize how many issues we affect them. It is so terribly broad, there is so much what we do. “