Here is the translation of the text from French to English:
Just over four months before the municipal elections of March 2026, the issue of voter registration returns to the forefront of public discussions. A draft law currently being written aims to expand the conditions for registration in rural municipalities for young adults fiscally attached to parents who own a secondary residence. This topic arises in a context of declining local engagement and difficulties in forming municipal lists.
Dominique Estrosi Sassone highlights a growing difficulty in many villages: the formation of municipal lists is becoming more complex. Municipal teams are seeking candidates, sometimes unsuccessfully. According to the senator, the recent reform of the voting method applicable to municipalities with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants makes the task even more challenging.
The observation also centers on civic engagement. Many young adults maintain a regular connection with a rural municipality without residing there year-round. Some stay in the family village during weekends, holidays, or transition periods between studies and their first job. However, these young people cannot always register on the electoral rolls of the concerned village.
Dominique Estrosi Sassone describes this barrier to local participation: “a number of our fellow citizens are prevented from standing for election even though they have a genuine connection with their municipality.”
The case of young adults attached to parents who own a secondary residence is a recurring example. The parents have the right to register as local taxpayers, due to the payment of property tax. However, their children who have reached adulthood are not eligible under the same criteria. This situation limits their ability to participate in municipal elections in a municipality they know, frequent, and sometimes wish to represent.
Dominique Estrosi Sassone thus announces: “it is time to reform our Electoral Code to facilitate the registration of these citizens and thereby allow them to fully participate in civic life.” A draft law is being written. It will complement Article L.11 of the Electoral Code.
The envisaged text would open registration to voters under 26 whose parents are already registered on the electoral rolls due to their status as owners of a secondary residence. The concerned youths would need to submit a request.
For the senator, the stakes go beyond the simple administrative question: “it concerns the future of our rural municipalities and the necessary democratic renewal in our territories.” This debate is taking place as the municipal deadlines approach.
Structured Procedures for Registration for the 2026 Municipal Elections
The municipal elections are scheduled for March 15 and 22, 2026. Therefore, future voters must check their registration on the electoral rolls in time. Registration remains an essential step to participate in the voting.
The conditions for requesting registration are based on two criteria. The first concerns the right to vote. One must have French nationality, be at least 18 years old the day before the election, and possess civil and political rights. The second criterion relates to the connection with the municipality. Several situations are recognized: a primary residence in the area, a taxpayer quality, or a status as a manager of a business established in the municipality.
Registration is not automatic. A voluntary step is necessary. The dedicated online service allows registration online. The platform requires proof of identity and a document certifying the connection with the municipality, such as an electricity bill. The town hall is another option. Registration at the counter requires an identity document, proof of residence, and a cerfa form request.
Verification of registration, polling station, or affiliated municipality can be done through an online accessible service.
This political debate around easing registration criteria occurs as many rural municipalities seek to enhance young voter engagement. The 2026 municipal elections could thus take place in a slightly modified framework if the proposed law in preparation is adopted in the coming months.
