2026 French Municipal Elections: Key Deadlines and Procedures for Candidate and Voter Registration

The 2026 municipal elections in France are scheduled for March 15 (first round) and March 22 (second round). Candidates wishing to run must submit their applications during defined time frames with an in-person appointment at designated prefectures or sub-prefectures. For the first round, candidacies are accepted from February 12 to February 26, 2026, while second-round submissions occur on March 16 and 17. Appointments for submission are mandatory, with digital scheduling available on prefecture websites.

Applicants must use official forms, such as Cerfa 14998*03 and 14997*04, and provide original supporting documents; incomplete applications risk rejection. For example, in Bas-Rhin, submissions cannot be emailed and must be done at the Strasbourg prefecture or appropriate sub-prefecture dependent on locality.

Voter registration is equally crucial. Residents of areas like Yvelines must ensure they are registered by February 4 (online) or February 6 (in-person at town halls) to vote. Certain exceptions allow registrations until March 5. Eligible voters include French citizens and EU nationals aged 18 or older, who hold full civil and political rights and have a connection to the commune through residence, taxes, or business.

Significantly, the 2026 elections mark the implementation of a new parity voting system, requiring candidate lists to alternate genders to promote balanced representation. Smaller communes may present lists with two fewer candidates than seats available, offering some flexibility.

Additionally, a telephone helpline will operate from January 21 to February 6 to assist candidates with queries during the registration period. This service runs Monday through Friday during midday and late afternoon hours.

These detailed registration processes and new electoral rules underscore the administrative preparations vital for fair and organized elections across France.