So far only 14% have abstained.
In a hotly contested poll, over 75% of voters had cast their ballots by 17:30 this afteroon - the highest turnout at that point in more than 30 years.
The voting stays open until 20h00 tonight.
Wonderful! Allez la France, Allez!
From the BBC News site:
Radical change?
One of the reasons for the high turnout is the sharp contrast in the basic values embodied by the two candidates - continuity v change.
But there is an interesting twist in this poll. Traditionally left-wingers in France have tended to demand radical reform, while most right-wing voters have favoured the status quo.
Now these positions are largely reversed. Many voters are choosing Segolene because she has pledged not to force root-and-branch reforms.
"I want things to change, but not too fast," says Kathy Sylla, 20. "And that is why I am voting for Segolene. Sarkozy is too radical."
Conversely, this willingness to shake things up is precisely what attracts many to Sarkozy.
"He stands for reform against conservatism," says James Lellouche, 37, a manager.
"He will take on public sector workers whose jobs are secure whether or not they work, and who paralyse the country when their privileges are questioned."
Centre ground
Some voters - especially among those attracted to centrist ideas - find it difficult to choose between the two frontrunners.
Felicien Boncenne, 27, who works for a sports website, was turned off by the campaigns they both ran.
"The way they used advertising techniques and drafted in entertainment stars bothered me," he says.
In the end, however, Mr Boncenne cast his vote for Ms Royal - reflecting the choice of a plurality of voters in Montmartre.
"Sarkozy is too close to big money," he explains. "And it's about time we had a woman president."
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