Chamber of Deputies plenary during a session vote

Plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies during a vote, with deputies in their seats and electronic panel showing results.

About this subject

The Ulysses Guimarães Plenary, located in the National Congress in Brasília, is the main deliberation hall of the Chamber of Deputies. In this space, the 513 federal deputies gather to vote on bills, provisional measures, and other propositions. During a voting session, the electronic panel records each parliamentarian's vote, displaying the progress in real time. The electronic voting system was implemented in 1996, replacing the manual paper ballot method. Regular sessions usually occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays starting at 4:00 PM, and may last for hours depending on the agenda. The plenary can hold 600 people, including visitor galleries. Voting can be nominal (each deputy declares a vote) or symbolic (visual count). The President of the Chamber conducts the proceedings, using a gavel to open and close votes. Live broadcasts by TV Câmara and YouTube allow citizens to follow decisions in real time, promoting legislative transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many deputies make up the Chamber plenary?

The Chamber of Deputies plenary consists of 513 federal deputies, elected for four-year terms.

How does the electronic voting panel work?

The electronic panel records each deputy's vote via an individual terminal. Results are displayed in real time on the plenary screen, showing votes in favor, against, and abstentions.

Are Chamber sessions open to the public?

Yes, sessions are broadcast live on TV Câmara and YouTube. The public can also attend in person from the galleries, by appointment.