Dutch City of Gorinchem Votes Again After Fraud Allegations Sparked Re-election

How the Fraud Allegations Unfolded
Trouble surfaced almost immediately after the original vote. Reports indicated that voters had been pressured into handing over their proxy votes —a practice that raised red flags across multiple polling stations. One location stood out in particular: out of 650 votes cast, 135 were submitted by proxy. Adding to suspicion, a candidate on the ballot was seen visiting that same station five times throughout the day, each time accompanied by one or two people carrying several proxies. The irregularities were reported to have occurred largely within the Turkish community.

Mayor Reinie Melissant took swift action, filing charges covering multiple forms of electoral misconduct, including the solicitation of proxy votes and attempts to influence voters. The Public Prosecution Service launched a criminal investigation, though a spokesperson confirmed the preliminary inquiry is still ongoing with no resolution expected in the near future. Dutch electoral law, however, did not allow Gorinchem to wait — if a council votes to hold new elections, they must take place within 30 days. That decision was made on March 31.

Extra Precautions for a Sensitive Re-vote
Holding this re-election during the May holidays adds another layer of complexity, since proxy voting tends to rise when people are travelling. Aware of that risk, Mayor Melissant visited a mosque on Friday to personally encourage residents to show up and vote in person. "Voting by proxy is allowed, but it is better not to do it. And be aware that it is being closely monitored," she told attendees.

Authorities have taken additional steps to make the process more transparent and accessible. Ballot information was printed in six languages — Dutch, English, Arabic, Turkish, Polish, and Ukrainian. Polling station chairpersons also received a special briefing, with specific instructions to keep a close eye on proxy submissions throughout the day. Stations are set to close at 9:00 p.m., with voter turnout figures expected around 9:30 p.m. and preliminary results anticipated around midnight.