On election day, what is prohibited for voters? – Money Times

There are just a few days left until the arrival of municipal elections 2024. The first and second rounds will take place on October 6th and 27th, respectively.

• What are the top “Money Picks” for this month? Money Times listened to analysts from across Faria Lima to find out; see the result here

Election day is a crucial moment for exercising citizenship. With this, the Electoral Justice determines some rules to guarantee the security and transparency of elections.

Exit Mouth

One of the most well-known prohibitions among voters is Boca de Urna. The practice is the attempt to influence or convince other voters in the vicinity of electoral zones, considered an electoral crime.

The distribution of leaflets, the handing out of saints and the holding of rallies or speeches on election day are prohibited and may result in arrest and fines.

Agglomeration and collective propaganda

Furthermore, the Electoral Court brings some other rules for election day, such as crowds and collective propaganda.

The gathering of people wearing standardized clothing or propaganda instruments for a candidate or party is prohibited, as this could be characterized as a collective demonstration and an attempt to influence voters.

It is worth noting that demonstrations are allowed, as long as they are individual and silent. In other words, voters can use t-shirts, pins, flags and stickers from their party or candidate.

Use of electronics in the cabin

Another action that is expressly prohibited is the use of cell phones and cameras in the voting booth. This rule was established to guarantee the secrecy of the vote, a fundamental principle.

Electronic equipment can be left in a location indicated by poll workers and removed when leaving the polling station.

Despite this, the Electoral Court encourages the use of a “glue”. In order not to forget the number of candidates, voters can take a piece of paper with this information written down.

Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages

Furthermore, in several States, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited to ensure that voters exercise their vote consciously and without interference. It is worth remembering that this is a decision of each state, with no legal provision for the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

Check out the 12 states that have Dry Law in these elections below:

• Acre;
• Alagoas;
• Amapá;
• Amazonas;
• Goiás;
• Maranhão;
• Mato Grosso;
• To;
• Paraná;
• Piauí;
• Roraima;
• Tocantins.

For states that do not have Dry Law, voters can still be punished if they commit exaggerations before the election.

For example, a voter may be prevented from voting if they arrive to vote visibly intoxicated and disrupt the work at the polling station.

Irregular transportation of voters

Candidates or party members cannot offer transportation to voters on voting day. The rule foresees the attempt to influence the vote through transport, which can be interpreted as an electoral crime.

However, there is an exception to the rule: with official transport, provided by the Electoral Court, for areas that are difficult to access.

Uniforms and weapons

The use of uniforms by members of the Armed Forces, police officers and security agents in electoral areas is prohibited, except for those on duty.

Furthermore, carrying weapons at polling places is also prohibited, to ensure the safety of all voters.

*With data from Estadão.