Voting has started in the Dutch local elections, and 333 new town, city and village councils will be elected over the next three days.

In total, some 13.6 million people can vote, including all EU nationals and foreigners who have been registered as living in the Netherlands for at least five years.

The elections usually take place on one day but are being spread over three to allow people who are in vulnerable health to avoid crowds. Zoos, churches and railway stations are among the more unusual locations where people can vote.

Some 1,700 polling stations opened on Monday. The first was at Harderwijk railway station, which opened at 6 am. Most open at 7.30 am and close again at 9 pm.

In total, 2,871 different parties are contesting the elections – 1,776 local branches of national parties and 1,095 parties which are specific to a small area. Nearly 55,000 people are standing for election and 8,235 seats on local authorities are up for grabs.

Not sure who to vote for? Here’s a guide to English and other language manifesto sources.