Column by Vincent van Neerbos: It started in Appeltern

On October 29, 2025, we will once again be able to vote for the House of Representatives. These are interim elections, because the current cabinet fell after 336 days. That is unfortunate, because the Netherlands is facing major challenges and the world is uncertain. Yet it is also an opportunity: to once again choose a brighter and better future for all of us.

The right to elect your representatives is not something that can be taken for granted. In 1781, Joan Derk van der Capellen wrote The Democratic Manifesto in Appeltern. He explained that equality and freedom are the foundations of democracy. He called on all Dutch citizens to work together to elect wise and sensible people to govern the country.

Van der Capellen believed in liberty, equality, and fraternity. Democracy means that everyone is equal: before the law and to each other, regardless of wealth or status. Because no one has authority over another, we must make decisions together. Power lies with the people, not with a king or a higher authority.

His ideas formed the basis for our first constitution in 1798. Article 6 is still relevant today: treat others as you would like to be treated and do as much good for others as you would like to receive.

Our democracy is worth standing up for. Many before us have already done so with great courage. All we have to do now is go to the polling station, cast our vote, and thus exercise our right.

In our municipality, you can vote at any polling station, including in Appeltern, the birthplace of our democracy. And while you're there, why not take a lovely walk through the Heerlijkheid Appeltern? Perhaps with Joep van den Brink's audio tour to make it even more special.

Vincent van Neerbos, mayor of