Brazil electoral courts begin poll worker training for 2026 elections

Regional Electoral Courts (TRE) in various Brazilian states have begun preparations and training for poll workers ahead of the 2026 elections.

In Bahia, the TRE has initiated training for poll workers through both in-person and online modalities. In Salvador, in-person sessions are scheduled to run through September 18 at the tribunal's auditorium and the Virtual Voter Service Center. Training covers topics such as electronic voting machine installation, voter privacy, biometrics, and accessibility.

In Paraná, the TRE-PR has started training for approximately 110,000 poll workers and 38,000 collaborators. While online training is available via the ‘Mesário’ app, certain roles, such as poll presidents and building administrators, are required to attend in-person sessions. In Curitiba, specific schedules have been set for several electoral zones.

In Paraíba, the TRE-PB is utilizing WhatsApp to summon volunteer poll workers. Those who serve are entitled to legal benefits, including two days of leave for each day worked or trained, a R$ 65 food allowance per shift, and half-price entry to cultural and sporting events in the state.