Voters over 70 years old increase 15.75% in the 2026 Elections in Brazil

Electronic ballot box. — Photo: Reproduction/TV Globo

The number of voters over 70 years old increased in the 2026 Elections. According to data from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), the group brings together almost 17 million people eligible to vote this year and grew 15.75% compared to 2022. For this age group, voting is optional.

At 88 years old, retired professor João Batista da Silva continues to vote and considers participating in elections a way of defending democracy.

"Democracy is based on voting, so you are fighting for that. Freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, of voting. Voting is important! Elderly people should always vote!", he states.

Voting is optional from the age of 70

In Brazil, voting is mandatory for literate people between 18 and 70 years old. From the age of 70, attendance at the polls becomes optional. This means that the voter can choose whether to vote or not, without suffering the consequences expected for those who are forced to vote and do not show up.

In the 2026 Elections, the electorate over 70 years old represents more than one in ten voters eligible to vote in the country.

Despite being optional, the Electoral Court encourages the participation of this group. For Acácio Leite, planning advisor at the Regional Electoral Court of Pernambuco (TRE-PE), the experience accumulated throughout life can contribute to the choices made at the polls.

“These are voters who have already had a few decades of great experience and certainly have a different vision of what it means to choose a public manager who will direct the coming years in education, security, public transport in that municipality, that State and that country.”

In addition to exercising citizenship, geriatrician Alexandre de Mottos highlights other aspects related to electoral participation in old age.

“Continuing to vote is not only exercising citizenship from a sociological point of view, but for health it is fundamental, because it means autonomy, social bonds and social belonging and purpose.”

For retired Juracy D'Albuquerque Chaves, 98 years old, voting remains a commitment.

She renewed her title precisely to continue participating in elections and says she is thinking about the future of the next generations.

"I'm thinking not about myself, but about a better life, about the future for my grandchildren, for my great-grandchildren. I renewed my title precisely so I don't stop voting."