Dutch emigrants will no longer be required to use the obligatory red pencil when filling in their ballot papers during general elections. In this way, the Dutch executive council of ministers wants to reduce the number of spoiled votes.

Traditionally red pencils are provided at all polling booths in the Netherlands and Dutch election laws stipulate that a ballot paper is only valid if it is marked in red pencil.

For Dutch people living abroad, the onus is on themselves to provide their own red pencils. This invariably leads to haphazard situations – like digging into their children’s coloured pencils set – and many votes are spoiled as a result.

This is one of several amendments to Dutch election laws proposed by the executive council. The ministers also want to introduce electronic registration for emigrants.

Carnival revellers to vote with clear head

Another proposal is to put the date of municipal elections forward by two weeks, so that party revellers during the traditional carnival season will be able to cast their vote with a clear head.

Interior Minister Liesbeth Spies also called for more professionalism at Dutch polling stations and wants officials to undergo training.