Histórias do Brasil - Saiba mais sobre a história do voto no Brasil

Summary

The history of elections in Brazil is marked by significant challenges and changes. Starting in 1532, voting was limited to wealthy men, excluding women, Indigenous people, slaves, and the poor. The 1824 Constitution established elections with restrictions, and the first direct presidential election occurred in 1894. Women gained the right to vote in 1933, but democracy faced setbacks, including a military coup in 1964. Democracy was restored in 1945, and electronic voting was introduced in 1989, making the process more secure and reliable. The journey reflects Brazil's ongoing fight for inclusive and fair elections.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first election in Brazil occurred in 1532, but voting was not democratic at that time.
• 😀 Only wealthy men were allowed to vote, excluding women, indigenous people, slaves, and the poor.
• 😀 The 1824 Constitution created elections for the Chamber and Senate, with voting limited to those earning at least 100,000 réis per year.
• 😀 Elections during this period were held in parishes, and votes were not secret, with a priest or judge recording the names of voters.
• 😀 The first direct election for President occurred in 1894, but only 356,000 people voted out of a population of over 15 million.
• 😀 During the Old Republic, voters could bring pre-filled ballots from home, which led to electoral fraud and vote manipulation.
• 😀 Women gained the right to vote and stand for election in 1933, more than half a century after Brazil's first election.
• 😀 In 1937, President Getúlio Vargas staged a coup and abolished elections in the country.
• 😀 In 1945, democracy returned to Brazil with the re-establishment of direct elections at all levels of government.
• 😀 The official electoral ballot was introduced in 1955, allowing voters to fill out their ballots on-site at the polling stations.
• 😀 The 1964 coup interrupted democracy again, suspending direct elections for President, governors, mayors, and some senators.
• 😀 In 1989, Brazil restored democratic elections, and electronic voting machines replaced paper ballots, making the voting process more secure and auditable.

Q & A

What was the first election in Brazil like?

The first election in Brazil took place in 1532. At that time, voting was not democratic. Only 'men of wealth' (not kindness) could vote, and women, Indigenous people, slaves, and the poor were excluded from voting.

How did the Constitution of 1824 affect elections in Brazil?

The Constitution of 1824 introduced elections for the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. However, only those who earned at least 100,000 réis per year were allowed to vote, and elections were not secret—voters would openly declare their choice, which was recorded by a priest or judge.

What was significant about the 1894 presidential election in Brazil?

The 1894 presidential election marked the first direct election for the President of the Republic in Brazil. Despite the country having over 15 million inhabitants, only 356,000 people voted. This period was also marked by electoral fraud and the practice of bringing pre-filled ballots to the polls, which facilitated voter manipulation.

When did women gain the right to vote in Brazil?

Women in Brazil gained the right to vote and run for office in the 1933 elections. This was a major step in the country’s democratic progress.

What happened to elections in Brazil after the 1930s?

In 1937, President Getúlio Vargas staged a coup and suspended all elections in the country. It wasn’t until 1945 that democracy was restored and elections were once again held at all levels.

What was the significance of the electoral ballot created in 1955?

In 1955, the official electoral ballot was introduced, which had to be filled out by voters at the time of voting. This development aimed to standardize the voting process and reduce fraud.

How did the 1964 military coup affect elections in Brazil?

The 1964 military coup interrupted Brazil’s democratic process once again. It abolished direct elections for the President, governors, mayors, and some senators, leading to a period of military rule.

When did Brazil return to direct elections for president?

Brazil returned to direct presidential elections in 1989, following the end of military rule. This marked the restoration of full democratic processes.

What technological change occurred in Brazilian elections after 1989?

After 1989, Brazil introduced electronic voting, replacing paper ballots. This change made the voting process more secure, audit-friendly, and efficient.

Why is the introduction of the electronic voting system important for Brazil?

The introduction of the electronic voting system made elections in Brazil more transparent, secure, and less susceptible to fraud. It allowed for more accurate and faster counting of votes, enhancing the reliability of the electoral process.