Wednesday, February 2, we read on French government website that the new electoral cards will be equipped with a QR code, brand new. Presented as additional information, or even an aid to understanding, the presence of this QR code, given the timing chosen to announce it, also seems to be part of a digital fad.
The electoral map, what is aquo?
This card proves that you are registered on the electoral lists of your municipality. On it are written practical information related to the voter, which facilitates the work of the members of the polling station. From now on, in addition to this, the card will feature a QR code which will link to the government site, on the page linked to the elections. By scanning it, its owner will be able to check their electoral situation; find your polling station; register online, until March 2, 2022, on the electoral lists; make a proxy request in the event of absence on polling day; or even access content to understand the democratic role and purpose of voting, the different types of elections organized in France, the competence of elected officials, etc. »
While the French seem more than ever disinterested in politics, will the presence of this new gadget help guide them more serenely to the polls? Nothing is less certain, given that for many, the QR code has now become a symbol of control and digital identity.
Perfect timing
The health pass leaving just its place for the vaccination pass, some French people are getting used to living on a daily basis with this new two-dimensional bar code, others less so. While the European Union is emphasizing a digital Covid certificate, many fear the establishment of a digital identity that can facilitate widespread control.
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Given that the French government has shown an undeniable talent for improvisation since the start of the health crisis, it is doubtful that this QR code will stick to practical support. As such, it will certainly be useful to many new voters who are a bit lost.
A QR code on voter cards?
No worries, it’s true that it will be useful.But we really do have fucking timing geniuses in government. https://t.co/2iKq3YlVIX
— PipeauTracker (@pipeautracker) February 3, 2022
That said, it is still an open door to other controls, here more political than health.
As a reminder, the electoral card is not compulsory to vote. Only voter registration is. To register in due form, go to the government website.