Lyon, France – Residents of Lyon are preparing for an unprecedented election day this Sunday, March 15th, as they will be required to cast ballots three times in a single day. This marks the first time voters in the city will participate in a triple-ballot election, encompassing municipal, arrondissement, and metropolitan elections. The complexity of the process has prompted officials to issue guidance to ensure a smooth experience for all voters.
The unusual voting arrangement stems from recent reforms to the electoral system in France’s largest cities – Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. These changes, enacted through the PLM (Paris-Lyon-Marseille) law in 2025, aim to modernize local governance and increase voter participation. The goal is to directly elect members of the municipal council, a shift from the previous system where some councilors were selected indirectly. This, combined with existing elections for arrondissement and metropolitan representatives, creates the need for three separate votes.
Understanding the Three Scrutins
Voters will encounter three distinct ballots, each corresponding to a different level of government. The first vote is for the municipal elections, where citizens will elect members of the Lyon city council, who will then elect the mayor of Lyon. The second ballot is for the arrondissement elections, allowing residents to choose their local arrondissement councilors, who will subsequently select the arrondissement mayor. Finally, the third vote is for the metropolitan elections, directly electing members of the Métropole de Lyon council, who will then choose the president of the Métropole.
To help voters navigate the process, officials are emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the color of the envelopes provided for each ballot. Each election – municipal, arrondissement, and metropolitan – will have a designated envelope color. Voters should capture the appropriate ballot for each election, place it in the corresponding envelope, and then deposit the envelope into the correct urn.
Why the Change?
Prior to 2026, Lyon voters participated in two rounds of elections: one for arrondissement councilors (some of whom then sat on the city council) and another for metropolitan councilors. The new system streamlines the process by directly electing members of the city council, a change driven by the PLM law. The law aims to enhance local democracy and accountability by giving citizens a more direct say in the composition of their governing bodies. The Métropole de Lyon website provides further details on the changes.
The voting process will also differ slightly depending on the municipality within the Lyon metropolitan area. While most polling stations will open at 8:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, stations in Lyon and Villeurbanne will remain open until 8:00 PM, according to information from the Lyon city hall. Voters are reminded to bring a valid form of identification, such as a national identity card, passport, or driver’s license.
What to Expect on Election Day
The first round of voting will take place on Sunday, March 15th, with a second round scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd, if necessary. Voters are encouraged to check their polling station location on their voter card or through the French public service website (a France Connect account is required). The Le Progrès reports that officials are preparing for a potentially busy day and are urging voters to be patient, and prepared.
The upcoming elections also include a significant number of candidates vying for positions across the nine arrondissements of Lyon. Tribune de Lyon provides an overview of the candidates running in each arrondissement, offering voters a chance to learn more about their local representatives.
As Lyon prepares for this unique election day, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new voting process to ensure their voices are heard. The outcome of these elections will shape the future of the city and the surrounding metropolitan area for years to come.
The results of the March 15th vote will determine which candidates advance to a potential second round on March 22nd. The focus will then shift to the final tally and the formation of new governing bodies at the municipal, arrondissement, and metropolitan levels. Stay tuned to Archyde.com for continued coverage of the Lyon elections and their implications.
What are your thoughts on the new three-ballot system? Share your comments below and let us recognize how you’re preparing for election day!
