I just went to vote in the french elections today in Norfolk , VA

[drray23]

I have dual citizenship and the French consulate sets up voting sites abroad for expats. On the first round two weeks ago, there were a few people. Today, it was crowded.

Hundreds of French expats swarmed the voting booths to vote. From what I gathered chatting with them afterwards in the parking lot, most were there to vote for Macron. They were horrified that we could lose France to Le Pen.

We lost America for four years to Trump, it was traumatic, we do not want that to happen back in France. Many of the people I spoke with were not involved with politics or following it carefully before.

This changed when it looked like Le Pen could win. On a similar note, I was reading an article in le figaro (big french newspaper) giving the participation relative to where voters are in France. On average 20 or so percent of french voters did not vote (meaning 80 did) on the first round.

What struck me more is not so much that number but the fact that the areas with low participation were all in RW strongholds (east of France and south of France as well as Corsica).


You can see these charts here :

https://www.lefigaro.fr/elections/presidentielles/presidentielle-2022-tous-les-resultats-en-chiffres-et-en-cartes-20220411

[Indykatie]

1. Very Interesting Information on Turn Out Results in France

I think Macron will win and that the race will not be close like the Media would have us believe. Macron and Brigitte captured my heart during his first run. I think they are the most fascinating political couple in the world. They are the total package of intelligence, strength, charm and total devotion to one another.

[CottonBear]

2. Q: How do you vote? By hand-marked paper ballots or computer?

I’m curious about the voting process.

We are all hoping that Macron can win.
🇫🇷

[drray23]

3. its all paper ballots

no machine is used for voting. It has been that way for hundreds of years. Yet, France manages to count all of it within hours of poll closing. It just shows we could do the same here if we were organized. Each voting precinct counts, reports up the chain and so on, its efficient and cannot be manipulated.
There is one little bulletin per candidate. You take a stack of those , go in the booth and put the one you want in your envelope, close the envelope, destroy the other bulletins, bring that envelope to another poll worker who witnesses you putting it in a transparent urn and then say "a vote" (has voted).

[CottonBear]

4. Thanks for your answer.

Hopefully, the USA can use paper ballots in the future.

[electric_blue68]

5. I remember when they set up booths in front of the UN for... ...

the first free, fair election in South Africa for several days.

Later my face ached a bit because I literally could not stop smiling the biggest smile I had while I was there to witness that historic event!

Good Luck (?Bonne chance) to France! 🇫🇷
Liberté, Fraternité Egalité!

[BigmanPigman]

6. That is hopeful news, thanks!

[CatWoman]

7. I saw Norfolk and had to respond

I'm originally from Portsmouth

[virgdem]

8. Thanks for this information on French voting procedures.

I didn't realize that there was a French Consulate in Norfolk (I'm in VA Beach).

I hope that Macron will win. La Pen scares the hell out of me and she would be a disaster for not only France, but for the NATO alliance at a particularly crucial time.
Bon Chance tomorrow.