Electronic vote machine technician configuring Brazilian voting machine

Technician configures a Brazilian electronic voting machine during election preparation, ensuring security and transparency of the voting system.

About this subject

The Brazilian electronic voting machine, officially called urna eletrônica, has been used in Brazil since 1996. Developed by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) in partnership with the Center for Research and Development in Telecommunications (CPqD), it replaced paper ballots, drastically reducing fraud and speeding up vote counting. The system is internationally recognized for its security: the machine has no internet connection during voting, and results are encrypted and transmitted via a private TSE network. Configuration is carried out by trained technicians who install official software, perform integrity tests, and seal the equipment. Each machine is audited by representatives of political parties and the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB). Brazil's electronic voting process is one of the largest in the world, with over 150 million eligible voters casting ballots on approximately 500,000 machines nationwide. Since its implementation, no proven fraud has occurred in federal elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Brazilian electronic voting machine work?

The electronic voting machine is a portable computer that records votes digitally. The voter types the candidate's number and confirms the vote. The machine has no internet access, ensuring security against cyber attacks.

Who is responsible for configuring the electronic voting machines?

Trained technicians from the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) perform the configuration, installing official software and conducting integrity tests. The process is monitored by representatives of political parties and the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB).

Has the Brazilian electronic voting machine ever been hacked?

There is no record of proven fraud in federal elections since the implementation of the electronic voting machine in 1996. The system undergoes audits and public security tests before each election.