She's not on the ballots, but Marine Le Pen is the focus of elections for more than 2,000 councils across France.

Opinion polls rate Le Pen's National Front Party the favorite versus the ruling Socialists and conservatives as Sunday's vote began. The result could prove crucial in building Le Pen's grass-roots base if, as expected, she runs for president in 2017.

The National Front's opposition to immigration, radical Islam, and the European Union has helped transform the party from a pariah under Le Pen's father.

France's council elections are in two rounds, so victory Sunday will determine which candidates can contest a second vote March 29.

The government said voter turnout was 18 percent at midday, slightly better than in the last council election in 2011.