São Gonçalo voters face long lines and relocation issues

Changes to polling locations implemented by the Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) caused significant disruptions for voters in São Gonçalo during the first round of the 2026 elections. The relocation of several sections led to difficulties in transportation and caused voter concentration in specific areas, resulting in long queues.

In the Caramujo neighborhood, residents were transferred to Santa Bárbara, forcing them to travel longer distances to reach the polls. Community leaders have expressed intent to request that voting sections return to their traditional locations to facilitate access.

These logistical issues may have contributed to a high abstention rate in the city, where 153,229 voters did not participate in the first round, representing an abstention rate of 23.47%.