Brazil enhances voting accessibility and tackles disinformation before 2026 elections

The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) opened a window for voters to request temporary transfers to more accessible polling stations and to apply for vote‑in‑transit. Requests can be made online or at any electoral office until 20 August 2026, with the temporary transfer option available from 20 July to 20 August 2026.

The Regional Electoral Court of Mato Grosso (TRE‑MT) announced the use of the GuaIA artificial‑intelligence system, developed with the TRE of Goiás and the Federal University of Goiás, to detect and mitigate disinformation within minutes during the election period. In a Juridicast video interview, TRE‑MT president Justice Serly Marcondes emphasized the shift from “fake news” to “disinformation” and highlighted cooperation with the press and rapid response mechanisms.

Political commentators and officials continued to debate the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting machines. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and former President Jair Bolsonaro have raised questions, while the Electoral Justice and other officials reiterate the system’s security and auditability. Separate pieces explained how parties assign candidate numbers during conventions, outlining internal priority rules and tie‑break procedures.

Senator Cid Gomes disclosed details of a secret 2022 agreement that had kept the PDT aligned with the PT before a later rupture, illustrating the ongoing strategic maneuvering within Brazil’s electoral landscape.