Neighborhood council candidate Thea van Gils introduces herself

2 April 2026

On March 18, the neighborhood council elections take place. Therefore, Like je Wijk Bloemhof invites all candidates to introduce themselves to the neighborhood. Who are you, what are you already doing in the neighborhood, and what will you focus on if you are elected? Every candidate can send answers to the questions with a photo until Monday, March 16. Read more about it here via https://tinyurl.com/2sxrezyx

One of the candidates for the neighborhood council is Thea van Gils, who submitted the following:

‘I am Thea van Gils and have lived in Bloemhof for 36 years, of which more than 34 years in Bloemhof South. Bloemhof is a wonderful neighborhood, where I would prefer never to leave. But the neighborhood also has challenges. Such as soil subsidence and demolition plans, the nuisance of bulky waste and garbage bags next to the containers, the narrow streets where it is difficult to park and/or walk, especially if you have difficulty walking. Currently, I am already on the neighborhood council and have been active in the neighborhood for years. For example, the mosaic on the wall in the square. And for the same square, I have submitted an application and plan to the municipality to green it, including a playground, new benches and chairs, and a water tap. Neighborhood festivals for the entire neighborhood, such as King’s Day and summer party, participating in clean-up actions at the canal and in the neighborhood itself. But above all, listening to residents, hearing what people struggle with. And there is quite a bit. But with an emphasis on what can be done or how we can look for a solution together. That is also the reason why I am running again for the neighborhood council; I hope to be able to contribute in various ways in the coming period as well. I am not one for shouting, but for listening and especially doing. Do you feel the same way? Then vote for number 1 in the neighborhood council.’

On March 18, the neighborhood council elections take place
An important moment for Bloemhof. Because those who join the neighborhood council will discuss and think along about what is happening in the neighborhood. About livability, safety, and everything that makes Bloemhof stronger. Therefore, Like je Wijk Bloemhof invites all candidates to introduce themselves to the neighborhood. Who are you, what do you already do in the neighborhood, and what will you focus on if you are elected?

Who is eligible to run for the neighborhood council in Bloemhof?

All info about the Neighborhood Council Elections in 2026

1. When can I vote?
The neighborhood council elections will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This is the same day as the municipal elections. You will receive a voting pass at the latest fourteen days in advance in the mail.

2. What does a neighborhood council actually do?
A neighborhood council consists of residents who are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood. They:

Give (un)solicited advice to the city administration about their neighborhood.
Decide on resident initiatives and neighborhood budgets.
Commit themselves to themes such as safety, greenery, and livability.

3. Am I allowed to vote?
You may vote for the neighborhood council if you:

Are at least 16 years old on March 18, 2026.
Are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at an address in the respective neighborhood (reference date February 2, 2026).
Have Dutch nationality, are an EU citizen, or have legally lived continuously in the Netherlands for at least 5 years.

4. Where can I vote?
You can vote at polling stations in your own neighborhood. Your voting pass usually indicates the polling station closest to you, but you can go to any polling station within your neighborhood. Note: unlike the municipal council, you cannot vote outside your own neighborhood for the neighborhood council.

5. Who can I vote for?
You vote for individuals, not only parties. There are three types of candidates:

1. Individuals: Residents who have run independently.
2. Civil society: Lists of local groups or associations.
3. Political parties: Candidates running on behalf of a political party.

6. How many people sit on a neighborhood council?
Depending on the size of the neighborhood, a council consists of 7 to 11 members. The candidates with the most votes get a seat.

🌐 More information & handy links

For those who want to learn more or have specific questions, here are the official sources:

Rotterdam.nl/elections The central place for all practical information about voting, polling stations, and the rules in 2026.
Rotterdam.nl/neighborhoodcouncils Here you can find the final candidate lists per neighborhood (published after the draw on January 30) and general explanation about what a neighborhood council exactly does.
NeighborhoodCouncil.Rotterdam.nl The place to see who the current neighborhood council members are, view their photos, and read what they have achieved in the past period.
My.Rotterdam.nl On this platform, you can view the so-called ‘neighborhood agreements’ per neighborhood: the plans the council has made together with residents for the area.

Need help? You can also always drop by the Neighborhood Hub in your area for personal contact and explanations about the elections.

Terug naar WijkNieuws Zelf insturen

Binnenkort in Bloemhof

Naar WijkAgenda