Candidate for the neighborhood council Thea van Gils introduces herself

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

One of the candidates for the district council is Thea van Gils, and she 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 beautiful district where I preferably never want to leave. But the district also has challenges. Such as subsidence and demolition plans, the nuisance of bulky waste and garbage bags next to the containers, the narrow streets where parking and/or walking is difficult, especially if you have mobility issues. Currently, I am already on the district council and have been active in the district for years. For example, the mosaic on the wall in the square. And I submitted an application and plan for the same square to the municipality to make it greener including a playground, new bench and chairs, and a water tap. District parties for the whole district, such as King’s Day and summer party, participating in clean-up actions at the canal and within the district itself. But above all, listening to residents, where people encounter issues. And there are quite a few. But with the emphasis on what is possible or how we can look together for a solution. That is also the reason why I am running again for the district council, hoping to be able to contribute again in different ways this coming period. I am not one to shout, but to listen and above all do. Do you feel the same? Then vote for number 1 in the district council.’


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


Who are eligible for the district council in Bloemhof?

 



All information about the District Council elections in 2026

1. When can I vote?
The district council elections will take place on Wednesday 18 March 2026. This is on the same day as the municipal elections. You will receive a voting pass by post no later than fourteen days before.

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

– Give (un)solicited advice to the city government about their district.
– Participate in decisions about resident initiatives and district budgets.
– Commit themselves to themes such as safety, greenery, and livability.


3. Am I allowed to vote?
You are allowed to vote for the district council if you:

– Are at least 16 years old on 18 March 2026.
– Are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at an address in the relevant district (reference date 2 February 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 the polling stations in your own district. Your voting pass usually states the nearest polling station, but you can go to any polling station within your district. Note: unlike municipal elections, you cannot vote for the district council outside your own district.


5. Who can I vote for?

You vote for individuals, not just parties. There are three types of candidates:

1. Individuals: Residents who have independently presented themselves as candidates.
2. Social middle field: Lists of local groups or associations.
3. Political parties: Candidates participating on behalf of a political party.

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

 


🌐 More information & useful links

For those who want to delve deeper or have specific questions, these are the official sources:

  • Rotterdam.nl/verkiezingen The central place for all practical information about voting, polling stations, and rules in 2026.

  • Rotterdam.nl/wijkraden Here you will find the final candidate lists per district (published after the drawing of lots on 30 January) and general explanation about what a district council actually does.

  • Wijkraad.Rotterdam.nl The place to see who the current district council members are, view their photos, and read what they have achieved in the past period.

  • Mijn.Rotterdam.nl On this platform, you can view the so-called ‘district agreements’ per district: the plans that the council has made together with residents for the neighborhood.

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

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