What are the French Consular Elections — and why do they matter?

French citizens living abroad elect local representatives called Consular Councillors (Conseillers des Français de l’étranger).

These elected representatives work directly with the French Consulate and French authorities to defend the interests and rights of French citizens living in the UK.

They are not diplomats or civil servants — they are elected members of the community who represent you.

What do Consular Councillors do?

Consular councillors work on practical issues affecting everyday life for French citizens abroad, including:

  • access to French education and support for bilingual children
  • scholarships and school affordability
  • social protection and support for vulnerable residents
  • administrative and consular services
  • pensions and healthcare rights
  • Brexit-related issues and citizens’ rights
  • support for French associations, FLAM schools and community organisations
  • helping improve communication between the French administration and residents abroad

They also elect senators representing French citizens abroad in the French Senate.

Why does this election matter?

The UK is home to one of the largest French communities outside France. Yet many French citizens here still face:

  • complicated administrative procedures
  • difficulties accessing information and support
  • rising education costs
  • uncertainty linked to Brexit
  • unequal access to rights and services

Your vote helps choose representatives who will speak up for the community and push for practical improvements.

Who can vote?

You can vote if:

  • you are a French citizen, (you may be a citizen of other countries as well )
  • aged 18 or over,
  • and registered on the French electoral register in the UK.

How to vote

Online voting From 22 May to 27 May 2026

You will receive voting instructions by email and/or SMS from the French administration. One code by mail, the other by SMS!

In-person voting On 31 May 2026

At your designated polling station in London, Manchester or Bristol.

Why voting matters

These elections may seem small, but they have real consequences for everyday life:

  • education,
  • social protection,
  • access to services,
  • administrative support,
  • and the defence of your rights in a post-Brexit context.

Voting only takes a few minutes — but it helps shape how YOU and all French citizens abroad are represented for the next six years.