Suffrage universel

Universal suffrage is the right to vote granted to all adult citizens, without distinction of sex, wealth, or level of education. In France, universal male suffrage was established in 1848, and women obtained the right to vote in 1944. Suffrage can be direct, when citizens directly elect their representatives (such as the President of the Republic), or indirect, when they elect electors who then designate the representatives (such as senators). It is a fundamental pillar of French democracy.