Brazilian voters will cast six votes on electronic machines during the first round of general elections on Oct. 4, 2026 [1], [2].
These elections determine the composition of the National Congress for the mandate beginning in 2027. With an estimated total electorate of 155 million people [3], the process ensures the legislative balance of power across all Brazilian states.
According to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), voters must select two senators per state [1], [4]. The rules prohibit repeating the same number for both senate seats. This requirement is part of the broader set of six total registrations required at the electronic urn [1].
In addition to the senate seats, voters will elect federal deputies. The rules specify that there is no option for party-list voting in the majoritarian contest for deputies [1], [5]. This means voters must select specific candidates rather than voting for a general party ticket.
Logistics for the Oct. 4 vote will span the entire Brazilian territory, utilizing polling stations in every state [6]. The scale of the operation is most evident in São Paulo, where the estimated electorate reaches 33 million people [3].
Election officials have already begun summoning poll workers to prepare for the October date [7]. The process follows a strict calendar established by the TSE to ensure the transition of power for the 2027 term [8].
“Voters must select two senators per state”
The 2026 election cycle is critical for Brazil's legislative stability, as the requirement to elect two senators per state increases the strategic importance of regional campaigning. By removing party-list voting for deputies, the TSE is placing more emphasis on individual candidate viability rather than party brand, which may shift how political coalitions form ahead of the 2027 mandate.
