how to vote in france?

To vote in France, you must meet several criteria and follow specific steps, which vary depending on your residency and citizenship status.

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old on the eve of the election day345.
• You must be a French citizen or, for municipal and European elections, a citizen of another European Union country residing in France345.

Registration

• Registration on the electoral roll is mandatory to vote. Here are the ways you can register:
  • In Person: You can register at the town hall (mairie) of your municipality145.
  • Online: Registration can also be done online, provided you have the necessary documents such as a copy of your identity document and proof of address45.
  • By Post: You can also register by mail1.

Places of Registration

• You can register in the municipality where you:
  • Have your permanent residence145.
  • Have lived for at least 6 months145.
  • Have been subject to local taxes for at least 2 years145.
  • Are required to reside as an official15.
  • Have a business registered for at least 2 years, and you are the manager or majority/sole shareholder15.

Automatic Registration

• French citizens who turn 18 are automatically registered on the electoral rolls if they have been included in the census of citizens from the age of 1645.
• Individuals who have been naturalized and are over 18 are also automatically registered4.

Voting Process

• On election day, you need to go to the polling station indicated on your voter registration card13.
• Bring your voter registration card and a valid ID. Only original IDs are accepted1.
• You will be given an envelope and a ballot paper. You will then enter a curtained booth to mark your ballot, and subsequently insert it into the envelope3.
• Your identity and registration will be checked by an official before you deposit your ballot into the ballot box3.

Deadlines

• For the European elections in 2024, you must register before Friday, 3 May 2024 (or Wednesday, 1 May 2024 if registering online)1.

Voting from Abroad

• If you are a French citizen living abroad, you can register on the consular electoral roll at the French embassy or consulate of your country of residence. The deadline for registration is also Friday, 3 May 202415.

Additional Notes

• For municipal and European elections, EU citizens residing in France can register on the supplementary electoral lists to vote in these elections45.
• Voting by proxy is also possible in France1.