Faqs for the 2026 municipal elections

Municipal Elections 2026: Why Was the Voting System Changed?

The electoral system for municipal elections in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille will change starting in 2026, following the passage of a law championed by Deputy Sylvain Maillard and approved by the Constitutional Council in summer 2025. But what’s the reason behind this? Here’s what you need to know.

Municipal Elections 2026: Why Do Parisians Have to Vote Twice This Year? What’s Changing

Big news from Paris: residents will need to vote twice in the upcoming municipal elections on Sundays, March 15 and 22, 2026, due to a recent change in the voting system! Here's what you need to know about the upcoming modifications.

Municipal Elections 2026: How to Register to Vote and Participate in the Ballot

On March 15 and 22, 2026, the French will go to the polls to elect their mayors. But before that, you need to be registered on the electoral roll. Here's how to do it.

Municipal Elections 2026: Everything You Need to Know to Help Count the Votes at Your Polling Station

French voters will head to the polls on March 15 and 22, 2026, to choose their next mayors. Beyond poll workers—whose numbers are dwindling—each voting station also needs citizens to be present for the ballot counting that takes place on election night.

Municipal Elections 2026: How to Vote if You Work on Sundays

While the majority of French people are off work on election Sundays, others work, but are still able to vote. A law provides for an exemption in this situation, in order to ensure employees' right to vote.

Municipal Elections 2026: Can You Bring a Child or a Dog to the Polling Station?

Sunday is often a day spent with the family. It's hard to leave them behind when you have to go away, especially to vote on Sundays. Can you go to the polling station with children or a pet? We take a look.

Municipal Elections 2026: What Time Do Polling Stations Close on Sunday?

On March 15 and 22, 2026, municipal elections will take place across the country, determining the next mayors for each city in the coming years. You have ample time to head to your polling station before it closes later in the evening.

Municipal Elections 2026: How to Vote by Proxy This March?

French voters will head to the polls on March 15 and 22, 2026, for the upcoming municipal elections. But what if you’re unable to get to your polling station on those days? Here’s how to issue a proxy so you can still cast your vote.

Municipal Elections 2026: Can You Vote Without Your Voter Registration Card?

As local elections approach, don't panic if you haven't received your voter ID card! It's not a requirement to cast your vote — a valid ID or even your health insurance card will do just fine when you head to the polling station.

New voting system for Paris's municipal elections: what has changed for choosing the city’s mayors

The electoral system has been reformed in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. A new regulation has been approved to overhaul the municipal voting process. What are the key changes? How will they impact voters? Here's what you need to know.

Now that the date of the next municipal elections has been set, here's when you can elect your mayor

In the civic calendar, municipal elections enable the citizens of each commune to elect their mayor. Whether in Paris City Hall, in the various arrondissements of the capital, in the Île-de-France region or nationwide, here are the dates of the next municipal elections in 2026.

Municipal elections: From arrondissement mayorships to the capital, how is the mayor of Paris elected?

During municipal elections, the composition of municipal seats in France's communes is determined by voters. In Paris, however, the procedure is different: yes, within the capital, in addition to the City of Paris, each arrondissement has its own mayor's office. So how are the arrondissement mayors and the mayor of Paris elected? Here's how it works.