Election

Tomorrow, the French go to the polls to elect their regional assemblies (conseils régionals). This election has been a good opportunity for us to learn something about French politics and government. As far as we can tell, the "region" (like Alsace or Bretagne) corresponds to a "state" (like Minnesota or Massachusetts) and each region includes several départements (which correspond to counties). Regional assemblies control the finances of the region but do not have any lawmaking capabilities.

These signs were posted outside a school in the 3rd arrondissement, which will serve as the polling place for this neighborhood. In Somerville, we vote in a firehouse (shout out to Ward 5-3!). Maggie cast her first-ever votes in a church in Northfield, MN. She mentioned this to her conversation partner (a French woman) who seemed utterly shocked by the notion. Here in France, politics and the Church are like yogurt and wine, they just don't go together. 

Although you can't tell from the pictures alone, these metal stands were set up in front of every polling place just a few weeks ago. They seem to be provided expressly for candidates to put up campaign posters, which tend not to appear speared into people's front yards and blowing from telephone poles. 

Unlike in the U.S., many more than two parties have a shot at getting a candidate elected in these regional contests. That's why every party gets a spot for its candidate on the metal stands. Most of the representatives will be elected via closed list proportional representation, in which you vote for the party, not the person. I like the purple party. 

Two final thoughts. #1. When it comes to elections, France does at least one thing significantly better than the U.S.: you vote on the weekend, and you get two weekends to cast your vote. This is brilliant.

#2. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in France is a Socialist. In fact, the current French president's UMP (Union for a Popular Movement) looks and sounds surprisingly like the "red" party back home. Those of you who can understand French will appreciate a televised debate between the leader of the UMP and the leader of the PS (Socialist Party). It gets a little heated near the end, so if you have a Midwestern sensibility (like Maggie) prepare yourself for a little discomfort.