France Launches Fully Digital Proxy Voting for 2026 Municipal Elections

As France prepares for its municipal elections on March 15 and 22, 2026, a groundbreaking fully digital proxy voting system has been introduced through the France Identité platform. This new system enables voters who cannot attend polling stations to authorize proxies online with complete digitalization of the proxy request process, enhancing accessibility and security.

To participate digitally, voters must obtain a certified digital identity via the France Identité app, which requires a new national identity card. The certification process involves downloading the app, requesting certification, confirming an email, scanning the ID using NFC, and then validating identity in person at a participating town hall with a generated QR code. Certified users can seamlessly submit their proxy requests entirely online through the Maprocuration tele-service, eliminating the need to visit a police station or gendarmerie.

For those without a certified digital identity, submitting proxy requests is still possible online; however, they must confirm the request in person at a police station, gendarmerie, or consulate, presenting identification and their Maprocuration reference. This dual approach ensures stringent verification due to the sensitive nature of proxy voting.

The transition to digital proxy voting has been positively received, building on a 2024 pilot during the European and legislative elections when over 100,000 proxies were established online, representing 75% of all proxies via the Maprocuration service. Additionally, since January 1, 2022, voters have the added flexibility to appoint proxies registered in different communes or consulates, although proxies must still vote at the voter’s designated polling station.

This initiative aims to offer a fast, secure, and convenient voting option for absent voters, modernizing the electoral process in line with France’s digital identity advancements and improving voter participation logistics.