Elections 2026: find out what is prohibited on voting day and avoid committing electoral crime

With the approach of the second round of the 2026 elections, scheduled for this Sunday (25), voters need to be attentive to the rules established by Justiça Eleitoral. Some common attitudes during campaigns, such as asking for votes, distributing candidate materials, and trying to convince others, are prohibited on voting day and can result in arrest and fine.

The determinations are valid for all of Brazil, including Ponta Grossa and the other municipalities of Campos Gerais. The aim is to ensure that citizens can exercise their right to vote freely, without pressure or influence from electoral propaganda actions in polling places.

According to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), the practice known as the mouth of an urn is considered an electoral crime, as provided for in Law No. 9,504/1997.

What is prohibited on Election Day?

The legislation establishes a number of restrictions that must be respected during the day of the vote. Among the main prohibited practices are:

Ask for votes for candidates, parties or coalitions;

Distribute ballot papers and other electoral propaganda materials;

Address voters with the aim of influencing their choice;

Organize groups to promote applications;

Conduct rallies, carriages or use loudspeakers;

Promote collective demonstrations with standardized clothing or campaign materials.

These restrictions seek to prevent voters from being pressured or approached by supporters of candidates during the voting process.

The ban on collective demonstrations remains in force until the end of the vote.

Can you vote wearing a candidate t-shirt or sticker?

Despite the restrictions, the Justiça Eleitoral allows each voter to express their political preference in an individual and silent manner.

This means that the citizen can appear at the polling place using a t-shirt, sticker, brooch or other accessories that identify their candidate or party.

However, this demonstration cannot turn into a collective action or involve requests for votes and attempts to convince others.

The rule allows the expression of individual preference, provided that the electoral norms are respected.

Election propaganda on social media also has restrictions

The rules are not limited to streets and polling places. The digital environment is also subject to the Justiça Eleitoral determinations.

On Sunday (25th), the publication of new electoral propaganda content by candidates is prohibited, as well as the promotion of electoral publications.

On the other hand, previously disclosed content may continue to be available on digital platforms, in accordance with the rules established for the electoral period.

The measure seeks to prevent the conduct of new campaigns during the day of the vote, including through the internet.

What is the punishment for anyone who makes a mouthful?

Anyone who disrespects the rules and goes to the polls can respond criminally.

According to the electoral legislation, the punishment provided is detention from six months to one year, with the possibility of substitution for the provision of services to the community for the same period, in addition to a fine.

Penalties can be applied to people caught trying to influence voters’ decision through irregular propaganda on election day.

How to report electoral irregularities?

Voters who identify irregular propaganda, distribution of saints or other prohibited practices may communicate the situation to Justiça Eleitoral.

One of the tools available is the aplicativo Pardal, developed to receive complaints related to electoral propaganda.

Through the platform, it is possible to inform the location of the occurrence and forward photos, videos and audios that contribute to the analysis of the facts.

The app can be found free of charge in the Android and iOS mobile app stores.

With the second round approaching, the guidance is for voters to know the rules and respect the determinations of the Justiça Eleitoral, contributing to a peaceful and democratic vote on Sunday (25).