Parents who want to get involved in school life can stand for election as parent representatives. Once elected, they sit on the school council and represent the interests of all families.
These elections are held every year, usually in October, in state schools. Knowing who can stand, how the vote works, and what elected representatives actually do helps avoid calendar mistakes and improves turnout.
In short:
- Any parent of a pupil can stand, except in a few cases of incompatibility.
- Candidates run on a list, filed at least 10 clear days before the vote.
- Parents can vote in person, by post, or by electronic vote if the school opens that option.
- The system is a list-based proportional vote, using the largest remainder method.
- Elected representatives sit on the school council for one year, with voting rights.
Who can stand as a candidate?
Any parent of a pupil can apply, either as a full member or as an alternate.
A few situations block candidacy:
- already sitting on the school council in another capacity, for example as a teacher at the school;
- having lost parental authority.
Membership of a parents’ association is not required. A parent can therefore stand on an independent list.
Applications must be submitted as a list to the election office. The list must include at least two names, and no more than twice the number of seats available. It must be filed at least 10 clear days before the vote. Once submitted, the list cannot be changed.
Who can vote?
Parents listed on the school’s electoral roll can vote, in principle those who have parental authority.
Each parent votes in their own name. If both parents have parental authority, both may vote. The vote is not limited to one ballot per household.
How does the voting work?
Elections take place every year, usually in October. The school head organises the ballot and informs families of the arrangements.
Parents can vote in three ways:
- in person, at the polling station set up in the school;
- by post, using the voting materials provided by the school;
- by electronic voting, if that option is offered.
Electronic voting has been allowed since 2021. The school head may use it after consulting the school council. This makes it much easier for parents who cannot attend in person to take part.
The voting system is a list-based proportional vote, with seats allocated using the largest remainder method. Seats are distributed according to each list’s share of the vote, then according to the largest remaining totals.
What do elected representatives do?
Parent representatives have voting rights on the school council. Alternates may also vote when the full member is absent.
Their main role is to act as a bridge between families and the teaching staff. They can raise issues related to:
- teaching;
- school meals;
- children’s safety;
- inclusion;
- school rules.
Their term of office lasts one year. New elections are held the following year.
Why electronic voting helps turnout
In-person voting remains available, but many parents work during polling hours. Postal voting and electronic voting reduce that barrier.
A reliable electronic voting solution makes it possible to:
- open a remote ballot while respecting school rules;
- simplify list management and the count;
- secure the result and keep a clear record.
Voteer helps schools and organisers offer a secure remote vote, alongside in-person or postal voting.
