Relocations, change of address, updating one's status... Many French residents will need to complete some administrative steps in the coming months if they want to vote in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for Sunday, March 15 and 22, 2026 across France.
All French citizens aged 18 and over have the right to choose their representatives. Registering to vote is free and can be done online or directly at your local town hall. You will be asked to provide various documents and proof depending on your personal situation. If you're unsure, you can check online to confirm whether you're registered on the electoral list in your municipality.
You have until February 6, 2026, at the latest, to register to vote, so don’t wait! This deadline is extended to March 5 for those who meet any of the following conditions: a young person turning 18 who hasn't completed the civic census, someone who has recently moved, someone who has recently acquired French nationality, or those who have recently regained the right to vote.
You’ve just moved to a new town or city. The next step is to register at your local town hall or notify them of your new address. You'll need to provide a proof of residence — such as a water or electricity bill, tax notice, or home insurance certificate — along with a proof of identity — like a national ID card or passport.
If you've remained in the same city but have moved to a new address, you also need to notify the town hall: your polling station might have changed.
Every French citizen who turns 18 is automatically registered on the electoral roll of their municipality, provided they completed the
The Insee automatically registers anyone who acquires French nationality—either on the electoral list of their local municipality or, if they live abroad, on the consular electoral register, according to the government website service-public.fr. If this hasn't been done for you, you can easily take the initiative yourself by visiting your town hall, consulate, or embassy where you reside.
Military personnel, fairground workers, travellers, mariners, or homeless individuals are considered special cases. This is either because they move too frequently or are unable to provide the required documentation. French authorities have established that these individuals “must register on the electoral roll of the municipality with which they have a specific connection.”
Each group of individuals has specific procedures available on the website service-public.fr. For more detailed information or if you encounter any issues, contact your local town hall, which can guide you through the process.
Finally, keep in mind that you can always vote by proxy if you're unable to go to your designated polling station.
