Election Day in Brazil
Brazil’s Election Day is a national holiday tied to the country’s constitutional elections. In the federal and state election cycle, voting begins on October’s first Sunday, with a second round on the last Sunday when needed.[1][2]
A constitutional civic duty
Brazil’s Constitution provides for direct, secret voting and sets elections for president, governors, senators and representatives. These elections give voters a say in both executive and legislative offices, so Election Day is a nationwide civic event rather than a festival with one regional focus.[1]
Voting is compulsory for Brazilian citizens over 18, with exceptions: it is optional for people who are illiterate, over 70, or 16 or 17. Foreign nationals cannot register as voters under the Constitution.[1]
When voting takes place
The Constitution places the first round of presidential and gubernatorial elections on the first Sunday of October. If no candidate wins an absolute majority of valid votes, the top two candidates go to a runoff on the last Sunday of October. Municipal elections also take place in October, with runoffs for mayor limited to municipalities that meet the constitutional population threshold.[1]
In general elections, voters choose national and state representatives alongside executive candidates. The ballot is electronic: Brazil began using electronic voting machines in 1996, first in a selection of municipalities, and expanded voting by machine to all voters in 2000.[3]
Holiday status and practical effects
Brazil’s Electoral Code classifies constitutionally scheduled election days as national holidays. The Tribunal Superior Eleitoral has also ruled that shops may open, provided employers follow labor rules and make it possible for employees to vote. So the holiday does not mean every business must close.[2][4]
Because election rounds are held on Sundays, the main practical change is the use of polling places for voting. Voters can check their assigned location through the official e-Título app. The electoral authority’s app also provides routes to polling locations and allows eligible users to justify an absence.[5]
Election Day in Brazil: FAQ
Is Election Day a public holiday in Brazil?
When is Election Day?
The first round of federal and state elections is held on the first Sunday of October. A runoff, if required, takes place on the last Sunday of October.[1]
Who is required to vote?
Voting is compulsory for Brazilian citizens over 18, except that it is optional for people who are illiterate, over 70, or 16 or 17. Foreign nationals cannot register as voters.[1]
Can I use the e-Título app to find my polling place?
Yes. The official app can show your polling location and provide a route. It also offers an absence-justification service for eligible voters.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Election Day in Brazil:
- Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil- Presidência da República
- Código Eleitoral - Lei n. 4.737, de 15 de julho de 1965- Tribunal Superior Eleitoral
- Informatização do voto- Tribunal Superior Eleitoral
- Comércio - Funcionamento no dia da eleição- Tribunal Superior Eleitoral
- e-Título (Perguntas frequentes)- Tribunal Superior Eleitoral