Brazil's Divinópolis records 21.7% voter abstention in 2022 election

In the city of Divinópolis, 34,018 voters—representing 21.7% of the eligible electorate—did not choose a presidential candidate in the 2022 election, combining abstentions, blank and null votes. The abstention rate has remained stable over three consecutive presidential elections, with 33,491 non‑votes in 2014 and 42,077 in 2018. Experts from the Federal University of Uberlândia noted that the high level of non‑participation may signal growing political disengagement and a perception that the Senate is distant from everyday concerns.

The Brazilian Superior Electoral Court (TSE) announced that for the upcoming 2026 general elections, vote totals, including blank, null and abstention figures, will be available in real time through its portal and mobile app. Results will be updated continuously after polls close at 17:00 Brasília time, with data searchable by state and municipality and full transparency through online ballot images and QR‑code verification.