Officials in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France have ordered an immediate reprint of ballots after a significant number were damaged by rain ahead of Sunday’s municipal elections. The unexpected setback threatens to disrupt voting in several towns and cities.
The damage occurred Saturday, March 14, 2026, as ballots were being transported between storage facilities and polling stations. The Alpes-Maritimes department had been under a yellow “rain-flood” alert, and between 50 and 70 millimeters of precipitation fell, causing substantial material damage and impacting election preparations.
20 to 25% of Ballots Rendered Unusable
Approximately 20 to 25% of all ballots intended for voters in Nice were damaged by the rain, according to the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes. In nearly half of the city’s polling stations, an estimated 50% of the ballots were affected by moisture. The incident underscores the logistical challenges of ensuring a smooth election process.
Prefect Laurent Hottiaux has notified the vote control commission, presided over by a magistrate, regarding the situation.
Emergency Ballot Reprint Underway
Additional ballots have been ordered for immediate printing, in coordination with the various candidates. The city of Nice, which was responsible for the initial ballot storage, will cover the financial costs of the last-minute reprint, officials said.
Despite the significant logistical issue, officials are reassuring the public that the first round of voting on Sunday is still expected to proceed as planned.
