Citizens with migrant backgrounds are playing an increasingly important role in Dutch politics, according to a new analysis of voter behavior during the Netherlands’ 2025 general election. Researchers found that voters with foreign roots are participating in elections at higher rates than in the past and, in some cases, even exceeding the turnout of voters without a migration background.
The findings mark a significant shift from previous trends, which often showed lower levels of political participation among people with migrant backgrounds. Researchers say the results highlight the growing influence of diverse communities on the country’s democratic process and suggest that migration-related issues are becoming increasingly relevant in national political debates.
According to the study, around 20 percent of the Dutch electorate has a migration background, defined as having at least one parent born outside the Netherlands. These individuals hold Dutch citizenship and are therefore eligible to vote in national elections. At the same time, approximately 1.2 million non-Dutch nationals, including children, live in the country but do not have voting rights in general elections.
Floris Vermeulen, a political scientist at the University of Amsterdam and one of the report’s authors, said voting is influenced not only by individual preferences but also by social relationships and community networks. He explained that many Dutch citizens with migrant backgrounds maintain close ties with family members, friends, and neighbors who do not have Dutch citizenship and therefore cannot vote.
According to Vermeulen, these relationships can indirectly influence electoral outcomes. Concerns and experiences shared within migrant communities often become part of political discussions among eligible voters, helping shape opinions on policies and national priorities.
The research also found that voters with migrant backgrounds tend to support progressive political parties more frequently than voters without a migration background. However, researchers cautioned against viewing migrant-origin voters as a single political group. Differences in nationality, religion, social class, age, and personal experiences mean that political preferences vary widely across communities.
The report highlights another important trend: increasing political participation among migrant communities may be partly linked to reactions against the rise of far-right political movements in Europe. Vermeulen noted that as right-wing parties gain support, some minority groups become more politically active in response. While higher participation strengthens democracy, he warned that politics centered on identity and perceived threats can deepen social and political divisions.
The findings have also renewed discussions about voting rights for long-term residents who contribute to Dutch society through work and taxes but do not hold Dutch citizenship. The Netherlands remains one of the few European Union countries with strict limitations on dual nationality, which can make it more difficult for some migrants to gain voting rights in national elections.
Vermeulen believes that extending voting rights to more long-term residents could strengthen democratic legitimacy by giving a voice to people who contribute to the country’s economy and society. However, he noted that granting voting rights alone does not guarantee political participation, as individuals are more likely to vote when they feel informed, engaged, and represented.
The study also suggests that the influence of migration background tends to decrease over generations. As communities become more integrated, voting patterns often begin to resemble those of the wider population. This indicates that political behavior is shaped by a combination of factors, including education, economic status, social environment, and individual experiences.
Researchers conclude that the growing participation of citizens with migrant roots reflects broader changes within Dutch society. Rather than being united by a single identity, these voters are connected by shared experiences related to representation, belonging, and inclusion. As their political engagement continues to rise, migrant communities are expected to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of Dutch democracy.