(Image: Agência Brasil/Arquivo)
As municipal elections 2024 is approaching and more than 155 million Brazilians will be able to go to the polls to choose their candidates. The first and second rounds will take place on October 6th and 27th, respectively.
However, if the voter is abroad, do they need to vote? The short answer to the question is no. It is worth mentioning that this applies both to Brazilian citizens who live abroad and to those who are traveling.
Currently, in Brazil, There is no vote by transit in municipal elections. In other words, anyone who is not at their electoral address and cannot vote must justify their absence on voting day.
However, it is important to remember that this does not apply to presidential elections. In this case, voting is mandatory for every literate Brazilian citizen over 18 and under 70 years of age.
Voting is optional for young people between the ages of 16 and 18, those over 70 and the illiterate.
How to justify absence from elections?
If the voter is unable to go to the polls on election day, he or she must provide an explanation using the app. e-Title.
Furthermore, on election day, it is also possible to print the election form Request for Electoral Justification.
The voter must deliver the completed form to the vote or justification reception desks set up by the regional electoral courts and electoral registries.
Those who do not present a justification on voting day will have up to 60 days, after each round, to justify their absence. Now, if the voter does not justify or the form is rejected, it will be necessary pay off the debt with the Electoral Justice.