Electronic vote machine technician configuring Brazilian voting machine

A specialized technician configures a Brazilian electronic voting machine, a device that revolutionized voting in the country since 1996.

About this subject

The Brazilian electronic voting machine, known as urna eletrônica, is a digital voting device developed by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) and used throughout Brazil since the 1996 municipal elections. It replaced the paper ballot system, making the electoral process faster and more secure. The machine is a special-purpose computer with no internet connection, recording votes in encrypted form. Each model undergoes rigorous security tests, including public audits and participation by IT experts. The technician in the image performs the pre-configuration, which involves installing the customized operating system, loading candidate data, and verifying hardware integrity. This procedure is essential to ensure the machine works correctly on election day. Brazil is one of the few countries with fully electronic voting, and the system's reliability is a constant topic of debate, with proponents citing quick tallying and critics questioning the lack of a physical auditable receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Brazilian electronic voting machine work?

The electronic voting machine is a portable computer that displays candidates' names and photos on a screen. The voter types the candidate's number and confirms the vote. The vote is stored encrypted on a memory card, and the machine has no internet connection to prevent hacking.

Is the electronic voting machine secure?

Yes, the system undergoes public security tests, including participation by independent experts. The machine has no internet connection, and votes are encrypted. However, there is debate about the lack of an auditable physical receipt, such as a printed paper trail.

Who manufactures electronic voting machines in Brazil?

The machines are manufactured by national companies, such as Diebold (formerly Procomp) and Positivo, under contract with the TSE. Each model is designed specifically to meet the electoral court's requirements.