Electronic vote machine technician configuring Brazilian voting machine

Technician configures the Brazilian electronic voting machine model UE 2020, used in elections since 1996.

About this subject

The Brazilian electronic voting machine, known as urna eletrônica, is one of the most advanced and secure voting systems in the world. Developed by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) in partnership with the Brazilian Army, the first version was used in the 1996 municipal elections, serving about 33 million voters. Since then, the system has undergone several updates, with the UE 2020 model being the latest. The voting machine is a dedicated computer with no internet connection, using free software and advanced encryption to ensure vote integrity. The configuration process involves inserting security media, functionality tests, and sealing the equipment, all performed by technicians trained by the TSE. Brazil has over 500,000 electronic voting machines, used by about 150 million voters nationwide.

The Brazilian electronic voting machine is a global reference in electronic voting. Countries like Paraguay, Argentina, and Bangladesh have adopted similar systems. The equipment features a numeric keypad, LCD display, and thermal printer for vote recording (printed vote). Voting is anonymous but allows auditing through digital records and printed votes. The system is publicly tested before elections, with participation from political parties, oversight bodies, and universities. Security is reinforced by mechanisms such as digital certificates, electronic file signatures, and inviolable physical seals.

Interestingly, the Brazilian electronic voting machine was developed to eliminate common fraud in previous elections, such as ballot switching and multiple voting. Since its implementation, there have been no proven frauds in the system. The equipment is designed to operate in adverse conditions, such as power outages (it has an internal battery) and high temperatures. Brazil is one of the few countries to hold fully electronic elections nationwide, including rural and remote areas of the Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the electronic voting machine ensure vote security?

The voting machine has no internet connection, uses advanced encryption and free software. The vote is recorded digitally and also printed for auditing. Physical seals and digital certificates prevent tampering.

Since when is the electronic voting machine used in Brazil?

The electronic voting machine was first used in the 1996 municipal elections. Since then, the system has been improved and expanded nationwide, being used in all federal, state, and municipal elections.

How many electronic voting machines are there in Brazil?

Brazil has over 500,000 electronic voting machines, manufactured by the Brazilian Army and companies contracted by the TSE. They serve about 150 million voters in more than 5,500 municipalities.