How the Brazilian Runoff Election Works
In the second round of Brazilian elections, only the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round take part in the runoff. This happens when none of the candidates in the first round secures an absolute majority of the valid votes — more than 50% — needed to win outright.
Voters then return to their assigned polling stations, which are rooms in public buildings, usually schools. Their polling stations are designated by the electoral authorities when their voter registration documents are first issued. In most cases, the polling location remains the same, but voters are always advised to check the official electoral authorities' app to confirm where they need to go.
Outside the polling station, voters are expected to wait in line until an election official allows them to enter. Certain groups, including pregnant women, people over 60, people with mobility difficulties, and others with physical limitations, are entitled to priority access to reduce their waiting time.
Once inside the room, voters present a valid photo ID, either a physical document or a digital version on their mobile phones.
An election official locates the voter's name on the electoral register and authorizes access to the voting booth.
The voter enters the booth and types in the number of their chosen candidate for president, governor, or mayor, depending on which offices are being contested in that election.
The electronic voting machine emits a sound when the vote has been cast. The voter also receives a small printed slip confirming that they have voted. This is necessary because voting is compulsory in Brazil for citizens aged 18 and over, subject to certain legal exceptions.
Once voting closes, the electronic vote-counting process begins shortly afterward. Thanks to a nationwide integrated system for tabulating and transmitting results, the entire country can usually find out which candidates have won within a few hours.
Important note: In Brazil, to win the presidential election in the first round, a candidate must obtain an absolute majority of the valid votes — more than 50%, excluding blank and invalid votes. This is different from simply receiving more votes than any individual opponent.
