Brazil election data shows high campaign spending per vote

An analysis of recent election data in Brazil reveals a significant disparity between campaign spending and electoral success. In the Grande ABC region, 19 candidates reported revenues to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) exceeding R$ 100 per vote obtained, yet none achieved victory in their respective races.

Notable examples include Dedé da Folha, a former vice-mayor of Ribeirão Pires, who reported over R$ 1.2 million in revenue for only 1,384 votes, resulting in a cost of approximately R$ 872 per vote. Other candidates in the region, such as Paulo Proieti and Alzair da Saúde, also showed high spending-to-vote ratios.

In the Rio Preto region, the variation was even more extreme, with the cost per vote ranging from R$ 0.42 to R$ 833.33. While some successful candidates for the Legislative Assembly maintained low costs, such as Danilo Campetti at R$ 7.31 per vote, others saw high expenditures without securing seats. The study clarifies that the 'cost per vote' is a mathematical comparison of campaign finances against results and does not imply vote-buying or irregularities.