2026 Municipal Elections in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille Introduce New Two-Ballot Voting System

The 2026 municipal elections in France's three largest cities—Paris, Lyon, and Marseille—will feature a major change in voting procedures due to the 'PLM' institutional reform enacted last August. Scheduled for March 15 and 22, voters in these cities will now cast two ballots at the same polling place. One ballot will be for electing district councilors in Paris and Lyon or sector councilors in Marseille. The other ballot will be used to elect central municipal councilors from a single constituency, with the head of the list serving as the candidate for the mayoral office.

This reform aligns the municipal electoral processes of Paris, Lyon, and Marseille with those of other French communes, marking a significant departure from previous practices. By introducing two separate votes, the PLM reform aims to reflect the institutional reorganization and strengthen local representation within the metropolitan framework.

The dual-ballot system represents a notable shift for residents of these major urban centers who are accustomed to a different voting format in municipal contests. Authorities emphasize this change ensures greater clarity and democratic representation at both local district or sector levels and the central municipal council.

As the cities prepare for the upcoming elections, voters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new procedures to effectively participate in choosing their local and central representatives.