Proxy voting explained in 60 seconds

What is a power of attorney?

Proxy voting may be chosen by an absent or prevented voter (the principal) who designates another voter (the agent) to vote for him or her. They must both be registered to vote in the same commune but not necessarily in the same polling station. This procedure is free of charge.A power of attorney can be established throughout the year and there is no deadline. However, if it is too close to the election date, it can jeopardize its timely arrival in the city hall.

Who can vote by proxy?

• Electors who declare in their honor that, because of professional obligations, health or disability, or because of the assistance provided to a sick or infirm person, they are unable to be present in their commune of registration on polling day or to participate in the vote;
• Electors who declare in their honor that they are not present on polling day because of training requirements, because they are on holiday or because they reside in a commune other than that in which they are registered;
• Pre-trial detainees and detainees serving sentences that do not result in electoral incapacity.

Who can vote for you?

To be an agent, you must enjoy your electoral rights and be registered in the same commune as the principal. The agent may not have more than two powers of attorney, only one of which is established in France. He must be informed by the principal of the existence of the power of attorney because he does not receive any document informing him of it. On election day, he must present himself with his own identification at the polling station to which the principal reports.

Where to get the power of attorney established?

• In the national territory: at the local court of residence or place of work, or at the police station or gendarmerie of his choice (the authority empowered to issue a power of attorney may vary according to the municipality);
• Outside France: with the consular authorities of the place of residence.

If his state of health or serious infirmity prevents the transfer, the principal may request that a staff authorized to issue a power of attorney (policeman or gendarme) travel to his home to establish the power of attorney. The request for travel must be made in writing and must be accompanied by the medical certificate or proof of disability.

How can the power of attorney be established?

• You must present yourself personally (except in case of illness, disability...);
• Prove their identity by means of a passport, a national identity card or a driving license;
• Provide the proxy voting form (in case it is not possible to download and print it, it is also possible to request it at the office of the authority authorized to establish the proxy) and the attestation on the honor justifying the impossibility to go to the polling station.

The presence of the proxy holder is not necessary when the proxy is drawn up.

Although you have established a power of attorney, you can vote yourself provided your proxy has not already done so for you.