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Is voting compulsory in France?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: No, voting is free. No, voting is not compulsory. In France, voting is personal, free and secret. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Les conditions pour voter en France (2/2)” (in French). The other three choices are explained below.
Sources: Sheet “Les conditions pour voter en France (2/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ Yes, for all adultsOui, pour tous les adultesThis option does not match what the sheet says: in France, voting is strictly personal, free and secret.
- ✓ No, voting is freeNon, le vote est libreCorrect answer. No, voting is not compulsory. In France, voting is personal, free and secret.
- ✗ Yes, for all electionsOui, pour toutes les électionsVoting is free for all elections, even the big ones.
- ✗ Yes, or you go to prisonOui, sinon on va en prisonVoting is free: you are not obliged to vote.
What the source says
« En France, le vote est strictement : personnel ; libre ; secret. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Le vote est-il obligatoire en France ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR). The Ministry's wording: “Est-ce que le vote est obligatoire ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Les conditions pour voter en France (2/2)” (French).
All 50 “Institutions and politics” questions on the CR list
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