G153 minutes agoPolitics2 min readBrazil

Even those who didn't vote in the first round can vote in the second

Quick Look

Voters who did not attend the first round of elections are eligible to vote in the second round, as explained by electoral authorities.
Doctor Rosana Nakamura, who works in the ICU, tried to justify absence using the e-Título abroad, but was unable to change the ticket.
Caregiver Maria Irene Dias da Cruz, who was recovering from surgery, says she will vote in the second round.

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Why It Matters

In the first round of elections, more than 33.4 million voters, equivalent to 21% of the eligible electorate, did not go to the polls. The Electoral Court allows those who did not vote in the first round to still vote in the second, as long as they justify their absence within the established period, avoiding fines and other penalties.

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Anyone who did not vote in the first round is eligible to vote in the second round.

Even on duty in ICUs, doctor Rosana Nakamura always found a way to vote, counting on the collaboration of colleagues and voters.

“I explained: ‘Oh, I’m on duty, I came here exclusively just to vote and I need to go back to duty.’ So, everyone always collaborated on this,” he says.

This time he tried, but was unable to change the ticket for a trip abroad, he used the GPS technology in the e-Título to justify his absence.

“We entered the application, it already detected that we were outside Brazil”, says Rosana Nakamura.

But, in the second round, she will be present to vote:

"Yes, it's a right that we won with a lot of effort. So, we have to do our part as citizens."

Even those who didn't vote in the first can vote in the second round — Photo: Jornal Nacional/ Reproduction

Using the e-Título or going to the electoral office to justify absence is a necessity. The deadline for the first round is December 3rd. This avoids fines, cancellation of the title after three absences and punishments - such as being prevented from obtaining a passport, receiving a salary in the public service or enrolling in public universities.

In the first round, more than 33.4 million voters, 21% of eligible Brazilians, did not turn out. But this does not prevent voting in the second round of elections. Participation that strengthens citizenship and democracy.

"The Electoral Court has been implementing measures to increase participation. We only have democracy if we have broad participation by everyone in the electoral process", says Luna Chino, elections management coordinator at TRE-SP.

The speed of voting in the second round can make life easier for voters.

"Mainly because now in the second round, in most states, people will vote for a maximum of two positions. It's a faster vote, a more agile vote", says Luna Chino.

Caregiver Maria Irene Dias da Cruz was recovering from surgery and was unable to do so in the first round, but will not be absent in the second:

"Ah, I'll be there and I'll be there early."

Open Questions

What is the exact deadline to justify absence in the second shift?
What are the specific penalties for those who fail to justify their absence in three elections?
How does e-Título check the voter’s location using GPS?