How to Vote in Brazil's 2026 Elections
Everything you need to know about dates, documents, and ballot box priorities
The first round of the 2026 elections will take place on October 4, and the need for clear information about the date, time, documents, and queue rules has generated significant demand. Below, this practical guide compiles what the Electoral Justice determines so that voters can attend the ballot box prepared.
Voting Dates and Times
The first round occurs on October 4, and if there is a second round, it will be on October 25. On both days, voting takes place from 8 AM to 5 PM, Brasília time. In regions that do not follow this time zone, the hours are: 6 AM to 3 PM in Acre and 11 municipalities of Amazonas; 7 AM to 4 PM in Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, Roraima, Manaus, and 50 municipalities of Amazonas; 9 AM to 6 PM in Fernando de Noronha. Voters who are in line by closing time will have the right to vote even after 5 PM.
Required Documents for Voting
It is not mandatory to bring a printed voter ID. You must present an official photo ID, such as a national identity card (RG), social identity card, passport, military reserve certificate, work permit, CNH (driver's license), or the e-Título app, provided the voter has registered fingerprints and a photo with the Electoral Justice. Expired documents are accepted if legible. Birth or marriage certificates cannot be used.
Offices and Voting Order
There are six offices in dispute: federal deputy (4 digits), state or district deputy (5 digits), senator (first vacancy – 3 digits), senator (second vacancy – 3 digits), governor and vice-governor (2 digits), and president and vice-president (2 digits). Each voter will follow this order when entering the numbers into the ballot box.
Voting Queue Priorities
The queue is organized by order of arrival, but there is priority for candidates, electoral judges, Electoral Justice staff, electoral prosecutors, military personnel or security agents on duty, as well as seniors over 60, people with disabilities, the infirm, autistic individuals, obese individuals, pregnant women, nursing mothers, those with infants, and blood donors. Voters over 80 years old have absolute preference, which extends to their companion.
How to Justify Absence
Those who cannot attend have up to 60 days after each round to regularize their absence. The deadline ends on December 3, 2026, for the first round and January 8, 2027, for the second round, if applicable. The justification can be submitted through the e-Título app, the Electoral Self-Service – Título Net, or in person at any electoral office, accompanied by documents proving the reason for the absence.
With information from Valor Econômico.
Source: Valor Econômico