
Essential information about voting order, documents, free transport, dry law and restrictions for the first round in the state.
Practical guide for the 2026 Elections in Maranhão details voting order, required documents, free public transport in São Luís, alcohol ban and restrictions on federal highways for the first round.
AI-generated summary
Voters go to the polls for the first round of the 2026 Elections, following rules established by the Electoral Court and security bodies.
Of the state's total voters, 4,938,634, equivalent to 95.22%, have biometric data registered, including photo, signature and fingerprints. Another 247,928 voters, or 4.78%, do not have biometrics registered.
With this in mind, g1 has separated important information that can help voters prepare for voting day. Check it out below:
What is the voting order?
First, vote for federal deputy, with four digits.
Next, it's time to vote for state or district deputy, in the case of DF, with five digits.
Next, the screen appears to vote for the first vacancy for senator, with three digits.
As soon as the ballot box computes this vote, the voter votes again for senator, with three digits.
Then, choose the governor of your state, with two digits.
And, finally, he votes for President of the Republic, with double digits.
❗ATTENTION: when voting for the two seats for the Senate, for both votes to be valid, it is necessary to choose different names. If the voter repeats and confirms the same candidate in both options, the second vote will be canceled.
What documents do I need to vote?
The voter must present an official document with photo to the poll workers. A paper voter registration card is not mandatory and, in most cases, does not even need to be taken.
It is also possible to vote using just the e-Título application, as long as it displays the voter's photograph. If the digital version does not have a photo, you will need to present another official document with a photo.
📱 The e-Título is the digital version of the voter registration card and brings together information and services from the Electoral Court.
The Electoral Court accepts the following official documents with a photo to identify the voter on voting day:
identity card (RG);
National Driving License (CNH);
work card;
passport;
reservist certificate;
professional category card recognized by law, such as OAB, CRM, CREA and other professional councils.
Is it mandatory to carry a voter registration card?
No. A paper voter registration card is not required to vote. The document only serves to facilitate consultation of the electoral zone and the section where the voter votes.
If the voter knows the voting location, simply present an official document with a photo. Not even the e-Título is mandatory, if the voter knows their zone and electoral section.
Can I take a 'cocoline'?
Yes. When voting, it is prohibited to take your cell phone to the ballot box. Therefore, to help with voting, voters can write down the candidates' numbers on a piece of paper so they don't forget.
Do you have a dress code?
Voters cannot demonstrate collectively, nor can they organize gatherings using standardized clothing. However, it is permitted to demonstrate individually and silently, using t-shirts, flags, pins, emblems and stickers.
The rule also applies to poll workers, who are prevented from wearing clothing or objects that characterize political party, federation, coalition or candidate propaganda.
Can I vote in shorts and flip-flops? The answer is simple: yes. The rules determined by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) do not prohibit the use of either item.
However, it is worth paying attention: it is prohibited to enter voting areas without a shirt or wearing swimwear, such as a bikini, swimsuit or swim trunks.
Help when voting
Voters with disabilities or reduced mobility can be assisted by a person of their choice, with the helper even being allowed to enter the numbers into the ballot box. The assistant must identify himself before the table receiving votes.
It is also allowed to ask poll workers for help, but only regarding the voting order, never about the vote. In Maranhão, the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-MA) will also provide a Libras Center in the first round and in a possible second round.
Federal highways will have restrictions for large vehicles
The Federal Highway Police (PRF) will restrict the traffic of certain cargo vehicles on single-lane federal highways in Maranhão during the first round. This Sunday (4), the restriction will be valid from 7am to 6pm.
During this period, vehicles or combinations of vehicles that exceed any of these limits may not circulate: 2.60 meters in width, 4.40 meters in height, 19.80 meters in length or 58.50 tons of Total Gross Combined Weight (PBTC).
The restriction applies even to vehicles that have a Special Traffic Authorization (AET) or Specific Authorization (AE). The measure will also be applied in the second round, if any.
Free public transport
Public public transport in São Luís will be free this Sunday (4), the date of the first round of the 2026 Elections. According to the Municipal Department of Traffic and Transport (SMTT), free transport will be valid for all passengers from 0am to 10pm.
During the period, buses will circulate with the fleet scheduled for weekdays, with the aim of ensuring the movement of voters to the voting locations.
For the 2026 Elections, the rule establishes that free transport must operate with the same frequency as on working days. The measure will also be applied in the case of a second round, scheduled for October 25th.
Ferryboats have advance sales suspended
Those who intend to use the ferryboats between São Luís and the Baixada Maranhense region must also plan in advance. The Ponta da Espera Terminal recorded intense vehicle movement this Friday (2), with queues of drivers and motorcyclists waiting to board.
According to information provided to passengers at the terminal, advance ticket sales are suspended during the election period. The crossing of large vehicles was also temporarily suspended to speed up the boarding of other vehicles.
On the Passferry website, the next date indicated for advance purchase appears as October 6, two days after the first shift.
Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited
The sale, supply and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited in public or publicly accessible places throughout Maranhão from 00:00 to 22:00 this Sunday (4).
The restriction was established by the State Secretariat for Public Security of Maranhão (SSP-MA), through Ordinance No. 417/2026, and applies to any type of alcoholic beverage and substances with similar effects. The measure covers bars, restaurants and other establishments with public access.
According to the ordinance, failure to comply with the determination may constitute a crime of disobedience, provided for in article 330 of the Penal Code, in addition to resulting in administrative penalties and referral to the police authority.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Holding the first round of the 2026 Elections on Sunday
Very likely · Within days

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