As a former registrar of the States of South Holland, Röell was familiar with the intricacies of local and regional government and water management. In 1877, he was elected into the House of Representatives for the district of Utrecht. He was re-elected in 1881 and 1884, but lost his seat to Æneas, Baron Mackay in 1886. He became a member of the Senate for Zeeland until he won back his seat in the House from Mackay in 1888. He was re-elected again in 1891. In the House, he was concerned with various policy areas, including education, water management, health, constitutional amendment, suffrage, home affairs, Indian affairs and taxes.