France’s 2026 Municipal Elections: Key Dates, Reforms, and a Pivotal Paris Race
PARIS, 25 January 2026 – French voters will head to the polls on 15 and 22 March 2026 to elect municipal councils across the country, in a local ballot set against a backdrop of significant electoral reform and intense political competition, particularly in the capital. These elections will introduce new voting rules for thousands of small communes and for France’s three largest cities, while marking the end of Socialist Anne Hidalgo’s tenure as Mayor of Paris.
Election Calendar and Key Deadlines
The 2026 municipal elections are firmly scheduled for two rounds of voting: the first on 15 March 2026 and the second, where necessary, on 22 March 2026. The dates were officially set by Decree No. 2025-848, published on 28 August 2025. Several critical administrative deadlines precede the vote:
| Key Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Voter registration on electoral lists | 6 February 2026 |
| Deadline for candidate submissions (First Round) | 26 February 2026, 18:00 |
| First Round of Voting | 15 March 2026 |
| Deadline for candidate submissions (Second Round) | 17 March 2026, 18:00 |
| Second Round of Voting (if required) | 22 March 2026 |
Major Electoral Reforms for 2026
The 2026 elections will be the first to implement two major changes to France’s local voting systems, enacted by laws passed in 2025.
1. Parity and List Voting for Small Communes
A fundamental change affects the 24,734 French communes with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants (home to 13% of the population). Previously, these towns used a multi-member majority vote where candidates could run individually or in loose groups, and voters could “panachage” or mix names from different lists.
From 2026, all communes, regardless of size, will use a proportional list system. Lists must be perfectly paritarian, with an equal number of men and women in strict alternating order. Crucially, panachage is abolished; any ballot where a voter adds, removes, or reorders a candidate’s name will be declared invalid. This reform aims to improve gender parity in local councils, where women currently hold only 37.6% of seats in small communes.
2. Dual Ballots for Paris, Lyon, and Marseille
Voters in France’s three largest cities will participate in two separate elections on the same day, ending the unique “PLM” system (named after the 1982 law for Paris, Lyon, Marseille).
Previously, voters elected a single list of councillors for their arrondissement or sector, with the top names from winning lists also sitting on the central city council. Now, citizens will cast one vote for their arrondissement/sector council and a separate vote for the central municipal council (or the Council of Paris). The mayor will then be elected by the central council. In Lyon, a third ballot will simultaneously elect metropolitan councillors.
The Battle for Paris: An Open Succession
The Paris mayoral election is poised to be the most watched contest, following Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s November 2024 announcement that she will not seek a third term, ending over two decades of left-wing control of the capital since 2001.
The field is crowded with high-profile figures. The left is divided between several candidates: Emmanuel Grégoire (Socialist Party), who won a primary and has absorbed the support of Green candidate David Belliard; and Sophia Chikirou (La France Insoumise). The centre and right are largely rallying behind Rachida Dati, the current Minister of Culture and Mayor of the 7th arrondissement, who is running as a candidate for The Republicans (LR) with support from parts of the Macronist centre. Other notable candidates include Pierre-Yves Bournazel (Horizons), Thierry Mariani (National Rally), and Sarah Knafo (Reconquête).
Paris Polling Snapshot
Recent polls indicate a highly competitive race. A January 2026 Ifop poll showed a tight contest in the first round, with Dati and Grégoire leading. Polling scenarios suggest the outcome of the 22 March runoff will heavily depend on which candidates qualify and the alliances formed between rounds.
National Political Context
The municipal elections will be the first nationwide test since the political upheaval of 2024, which saw President Macron dissolve the National Assembly after the European elections, leading to a surprise victory for the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition in snap legislative elections. Local councillors fear a “ripple effect” from the national crisis, with many expecting multi-candidate run-offs that could force unexpected political realignments at the local level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can vote in the 2026 municipal elections?
To vote, you must be at least 18 years old, be a French national or a citizen of another European Union country residing in France, and be registered on the electoral rolls of your commune. The final deadline for registration is 6 February 2026.
What are the main issues for voters?
According to recent polls, security and the fight against crime have emerged as the top priority for French voters ahead of these elections, followed by access to healthcare. Environmental issues, prominent in 2020, appear less dominant in the current campaign discourse.
How are the elections being financed and regulated?
Campaign finance rules are strict, with heavy penalties for violations, including the potential annulment of an election. The official campaign period began on 1 September 2025. From 2 February 2026, audiovisual media must log politicians’ speaking time, with weekly reports to the regulatory authority Arcom to ensure fairness.
Could Paris get a directly elected mayor?
While President Macron has proposed direct universal suffrage for electing mayors in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, this reform is not in place for 2026. The mayor will continue to be elected by the newly constituted Council of Paris, as per the revised dual-ballot system.