Brazil - Presidential & congressional elections

Why Are the 2026 Brazilian Elections Important?

Brazil’s 2026 general elections will be pivotal in shaping the country’s political and social trajectory. Voters will elect the next President, all members of the Chamber of Deputies, one-third of the Federal Senate, and state governors and state legislative assemblies across all 26 states and the Federal District. These elections represent a vital opportunity for citizens to decide who will lead the country at every level of government.

The outcome will directly impact executive power, the direction of national legislation, and the implementation of federal policies on issues such as education, healthcare, the economy, public security, and the environment. Given Brazil’s role as the largest democracy in Latin America and one of the world’s biggest economies, the decisions made in this election will not only influence daily life for Brazilians, but will also resonate regionally and globally.

Whether it’s tackling inflation, addressing climate change, or ensuring social justice, the leaders chosen in 2026 will have a defining role over the next four years. Participating in this election is an essential way for citizens to exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of their country.

CAN I VOTE?

You must be a Brazilian citizen and at least 16 years old on or before election day.

Voting is compulsory for citizens aged 18 to 70, and optional for those aged 16–17 or over 70.

You must be registered with the Electoral Court (Tribunal Superior Eleitoral – TSE) and assigned to a voting zone.

VOTING FROM ABROAD?

Possible through overseas consular voting for presidential elections only.

You must be registered with a Brazilian consulate and assigned to a foreign voting zone.

For help, contact your nearest consulate or visit the TSE official website.

Be aware of deadlines to register or transfer your voting location.

See key deadlines below.

Important Deadlines:

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MAY 8, 2026

VOTER REGISTRATION & TRANSFER DEADLINE:

This is the final date to:

Register for the first time
Update personal information
Transfer voting district (including for those voting abroad).

All Brazilian citizens must be registered to vote or have transferred their voter location by May 8, 2026.

You must complete this through the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) or your local Cartório Eleitoral.

August 2026,
(Exact date TBD by TSE)

BALLOT REQUEST DEADLINE

(FOR VOTERS ABROAD):

If you live outside Brazil and wish to vote for President, you must:

Have already transferred your title to a foreign voting zone by May 8, 2026

Await consular communication.

Deadlines for requesting voting materials (e.g., replacement voter certificates) are set by the consulate and may vary.

November 3, 2026

1ST ROUND ELECTION DAY:

All voters must cast their ballots in person (or at foreign consulates) on Sunday, October 6, 2026. Voting is mandatory for citizens aged 18–70.

OCTOBER 27, 2026

2ND ROUND ELECTION DAY (IF NEEDED):

If no presidential (or gubernatorial) candidate receives over 50% of the valid votes, a second round will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2026.

What You Should Do:

Check the TSE website (tse.jus.br) or your local Cartório Eleitoral for the latest official dates and procedures.

Register or transfer your voting title by May 8, 2026 – this is the final deadline for all voter registration updates, including for Brazilians living abroad.

If abroad, ensure your voter title is assigned to a foreign voting zone by the May deadline to be eligible to vote in your local consulate.

Download the e-Título app for voter ID, polling location, and updates.

voting methods:

Abroad:

Brazilian citizens living overseas can vote only for President, at. their assigned consulate polling place.

Use the e-Título mobile app to confirm your voting location and receive updates.