Key Candidate Declaration Deadlines Set for 2026 French Municipal and Legislative Elections

The French government has outlined crucial candidate declaration procedures and deadlines for the upcoming 2026 elections. For the municipal elections scheduled on March 15 and 22, 2026, candidates must submit their declarations between February 9 and February 26, 2026, by 6 PM. Those running in communes with populations of 1,000 or more must submit at the prefecture in Moulins, while candidates in smaller communes within Montluçon and Vichy arrondissements should file at the respective sous-préfectures. Submissions are accepted Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, with extended hours until 6 PM on the final day. Candidates are encouraged to book appointments online through the “RDV-Préfecture” module or by phone. Required CERFA forms and candidate memos are accessible on the Allier state services website.

Separately, a partial legislative election will take place in the third constituency of Haute-Savoie on January 25, 2026, with a potential second round on February 1 if required. In accordance with decree n°2025-1196, candidates must submit applications including financial representative agreements under prescribed regulations. Voter registration for this election closed on December 19, 2025.

These announcements clarify procedural requirements ahead of these key elections, ensuring candidates are aware of submission locations, deadlines, and necessary documentation.