Datafolha poll: 56% of Brazilians would vote even if not mandatory

More than half of Brazilians, 56%, would cast their vote in the 2026 elections even if it were not mandatory, according to a Datafolha survey. This indicates a strong commitment to the electoral process, with 43% stating they would not vote if given the option, and only 1% remaining undecided.

The survey, conducted from Tuesday (18) to Wednesday (19) with 2,058 interviews across 128 municipalities, reveals the highest recorded willingness to vote voluntarily in Datafolha's historical series dating back to 1989. This willingness has increased by 15 percentage points over the past 11 years. In June 2015, amidst the Dilma Rousseff government's crisis and Operation Car Wash, only 41% expressed a willingness to vote voluntarily, the lowest point in the series.

Despite the high voluntary voting intention, concerns about abstention persist. The last general elections saw an abstention rate of 20.93% in the first round, and 20.33% in 2018. Electoral authorities and specialists worry that abstention disproportionately affects certain segments of the population, potentially signaling disengagement from the democratic process.

Datafolha's findings suggest a higher potential for abstention among younger voters. Among those aged 16 to 24, 49% indicated they would not vote if the obligation were removed. In contrast, only 38% of voters aged 60 and older expressed the same sentiment.

Additionally, the poll explored political interest, finding that 26% of Brazilians have no interest in politics. Another 23% report great interest, while 38% have medium interest and 12% have little interest. Mandatory voting in Brazil, enshrined in the Constitution for citizens over 18, aims to ensure popular sovereignty. Those over 70, 16- and 17-year-olds, and illiterate individuals have optional voting rights. Failure to vote or justify absence can result in fines and restrictions on obtaining passports or entering public service.