Municipal elections in France will be held on March 15 2026 (first round) and March 22 2026 (second round where a majority was not reached). These elections are a significant event in the French political calendar, as they determine the leadership of over 34,000 communes for a six-year term
French and European voters from another Member State of the European Unionwhen they are registered on the electoral roll in France, elect municipal councilors (in Paris, they are the Paris councilors).
The rules of the election are different according to the size of the municipality (less than or more than 1,000 inhabitants).
Voters are also called upon to elect community advisors and, for the metropolis of Lyon, the metropolitan councilors.The municipal councilors and the councilors of Paris are elected for 6 years by French and European voters registered on the electoral roll in France.
Registration Deadlines
To participate in the 2026 vote, you must be registered on the electoral rolls:
Online Registration: Deadline is today, February 4, 2026.
In-Person/Mail Registration: Deadline is Friday, February 6, 2026.
Candidate Filing: The deadline to submit candidacies for the first round is February 26, 2026.What is Changing?
The 2026 elections introduce several important legislative updates designed to increase parity and simplify the process:
Communes under 1,000 Inhabitants: Previously, these small towns used a different system where voters could "mix and match" (panachage) candidates from different lists. Starting in 2026, they will use the same proportional list system as larger cities. This means you must vote for a complete, unchanging list, and these lists must respect gender parity (alternating men and women).
Paris, Lyon, and Marseille (PLM Law): New rules have been introduced to reform how these major cities elect their councils. In Paris and Lyon, voters will now participate in two ballots on the same day: one for the district (arrondissement) council and one for the central municipal council.The Race for Paris
The Paris mayoral race is garnering significant national attention following Anne Hidalgo’s announcement that she will not seek a third term.
Key Candidates: Current polls show a tight race between Emmanuel Grégoire (Socialist Party, endorsed by Hidalgo) and Rachida Dati (The Republicans / Culture Minister).The Race for Lyon
(With info by service-public.gov.fr)
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