Civic glossary

Droit de vote

The right to vote is the fundamental right that allows French citizens to participate in elections and choose their representatives. To vote in France, you must be at least 18 years old, hold French nationality, and enjoy your civil and political rights. Registration on the electoral rolls is mandatory and has been automatic at age 18 since 1997. Citizens can vote in municipal, departmental, regional, legislative, presidential, and European elections. Voting is not mandatory in France, but it is considered an essential civic duty.
Example

At age 18, a French citizen is automatically registered on the electoral rolls of their municipality and receives their voter card to participate in upcoming elections.