Brazil electoral courts manage 2026 election logistics and rules

Preparations for Brazil's 2026 General Elections are underway across several states, involving logistical, regulatory, and administrative actions by regional electoral courts.

In Amazonas, the TRE-AM has begun transporting electronic voting machines and supplies to interior municipalities. This operation was moved forward by 20 days to mitigate potential transport disruptions caused by predicted severe droughts and low river levels. Additionally, the TRE-AM has notified voters in Manaus of changes to several polling locations due to legal restrictions regarding institutions with ties to political candidates.

In Goiás and Rio Grande do Sul, electoral courts have defined the distribution of free radio and television advertising time for gubernatorial candidates. These allocations are based on party representation in Congress and the ability to meet the electoral threshold. In Rondônia, the deadline for political parties to submit candidacy registrations for various offices has passed, with over 400 requests recorded.

At the national level, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) continues to face challenges in defining specific limits for the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigns, as ministers seek consensus on issues such as deepfakes and AI-generated content.