# Brazil 2026 elections and electronic voting milestones

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-electoral-rules-on-blank-and-null-votes
> Updated: 2026-09-30T03:58:07.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

As Brazil conducts its 2026 general elections, the nation is seeing participation from approximately 158.7 million eligible voters. The first round, held on Sunday, October 4, includes contests for President, Governors, Senators, Federal and State Deputies.

The political landscape remains highly polarized, particularly between incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. In the domestic sphere, the election follows a proportional system for deputies, where seats are distributed based on party and federation performance through electoral and party quotients.

Overseas, approximately 919,000 Brazilians are participating in the vote. For those with electoral domiciles abroad, the ballot is restricted to the presidential race. The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) is managing these logistics in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs across 134 countries.

The election also marks the 30th anniversary of the electronic voting system. Current models include updated accessibility features such as a Libras sign language interpreter and progress bars. To assist voters, the TSE provides Braille keyboards, tactile markers, and audio systems. While paper ‘cheat sheets’ (colinha) are permitted for consulting candidate numbers, the use of electronic devices, cameras, or recording devices inside voting booths remains strictly prohibited to protect vote secrecy. The e-Título mobile application is being utilized as a digital ID and allows voters to consult polling locations and justify absences via geolocation.

The voting sequence on the electronic machines follows a specific order: federal deputy, state or district deputy, first senator, second senator, governor, and finally, president. If a second round is required for the presidency or governorships, it is scheduled for October 25.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Brazil electoral rules exclude null and blank votes from results

In Brazil, null and blank votes are purely symbolic and do not affect election results, as only valid votes cast for candidates or parties are counted toward the final tally.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-electoral-rules-exclude-null-and-blank-votes-from-results

### 2026-09-19: TSE clarifies that blank and null votes do not invalidate elections

The TSE clarified that blank and null votes do not invalidate elections or affect candidate totals, as only valid votes are used to determine winners in Brazil's 2026 elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tse-clarifies-that-blank-and-null-votes-do-not-invalidate-elections

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Cite as: Brazil 2026 elections and electronic voting milestones. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-electoral-rules-on-blank-and-null-votes