The country divided also in electoral turnout

Mandatory voting in Brazil, a long-standing feature of its electoral system, may be inadvertently creating a class-based bureaucratic hurdle rather than fostering broader democratic participation. This provocative idea comes from political scientist Jairo Nicolau in his new book, "O País Dividido: Duas Décadas de Eleições Presidenciais no Brasil" (The Divided Country: Two Decades of Presidential Elections in Brazil).

Nicolau's research, spanning twenty years of presidential elections, suggests that the requirement to vote might serve more as a filter for administrative purposes than as a genuine instrument for ensuring all citizens engage democratically. The book posits that the country is deeply divided, and the mechanics of compulsory voting could be exacerbating these divisions by impacting different socioeconomic groups unevenly.

The findings challenge conventional views on mandatory voting, which is often seen as a way to boost turnout and ensure representation. Nicolau's analysis implies that the practical application of this rule in Brazil might lead to unintended consequences, potentially disenfranchising or burdening segments of the population while creating an illusion of widespread democratic engagement. The book delves into the nuances of voter turnout and its relationship with social class in the context of Brazilian presidential contests.