Brazil voting laws and rising electoral abstention

In Brazil, voting is mandatory for literate citizens between the ages of 18 and 70. Those within this bracket who fail to vote without a valid justification—such as travel, health issues, or being away from their voting zone—must pay a fine of 3.51 reais. Failure to justify or pay the fine can result in significant administrative restrictions, including the inability to obtain a passport, hold public office, or participate in civil service exams.

Recent research conducted by the Avaaz Platform in cooperation with Datafolha suggests that rising electoral abstention in Brazil is linked to deeper social issues. The study, known as the ‘Termômetro do Bem Viver’, indicates that approximately 30 million citizens—roughly one in three voters—have abstained from recent elections.

The findings correlate this lack of participation with an epidemic of loneliness, mental exhaustion, and digital dependency. The research distinguishes between ‘connected’ citizens, who view democracy as non-negotiable, and ‘disconnected’ citizens, who often experience social isolation and a loss of hope in their ability to influence collective reality. This group frequently uses digital media as a form of escapism, which can further exacerbate feelings of isolation and hostility.