Brazil's 2026 election: Voters to choose six positions, including president and senators

Brazil's 2026 general elections are set to involve over 158 million voters casting ballots for a wide array of positions, including president, governors, federal deputies, state deputies, and senators.

In the first round of voting on October 4, each elector will make six distinct choices. This includes two votes for the executive branch, one for governor and one for president. Additionally, four votes will be cast for the legislative branch: one for federal deputy, one for state deputy, and two for senator. The electronic voting system will display the candidate's photograph after the number is entered, requiring confirmation before proceeding.

The dual vote for senators arises because two-thirds of the Senate seats are up for election, with senators serving eight-year terms. The electronic voting machine will present the positions in a fixed order: federal deputy (4 digits), state deputy (5 digits), first senator (3 digits), second senator (3 digits), governor (2 digits), and finally, president (2 digits).

The Superior Electoral Court advises voters to bring a written list of their candidates in the correct order to streamline the process and minimize errors. The first two digits of any candidate's number indicate their political party affiliation.

Should no presidential or gubernatorial candidate achieve an absolute majority of valid votes on October 4, a second round will be held on October 25. This runoff election applies only to the presidential and gubernatorial races. Federal deputies, state deputies, and senators are elected in a single round through a proportional representation system.