French citizens have until February 6 to register on electoral rolls ahead of the municipal elections on March 15 and 22, 2026. Complex situations, such as moves or multiple residences, raise questions about voting locations. This article addresses these common queries to clarify the process.
The 2026 municipal elections, set for March 15 and 22, will renew municipal councils and elect mayors across France. To participate in voting in a specific commune, registration on its electoral rolls is required. The deadline for registrations is February 4 online and February 6 at the town hall.
A common misconception holds that registration must occur only in one's primary residence commune, but this is incorrect. Voting is possible in any commune where a local tax is paid, such as habitation tax on a secondary residence, property tax on land, or the economic territorial contribution. Essentially, a basic 'link' to the commune is sufficient for inscription.
Students and adults under 26 have flexible choices: they can opt for their parents' domicile commune or the one where they study, provided they have resided there for at least three months.
For recent movers, voting in the previous commune is theoretically allowed. Authorities advise updating the address to vote at the bureau tied to the new residence. Voters can check their status online and appear with identification – the voter card is not needed. A proxy remains a practical option for election day.
These provisions aim to tailor the electoral system to the diverse realities of French citizens while ensuring broad access to voting.
