Record abstention in 2022 elections: 33.5 million did not vote
The abstention rate in the 2022 elections reached a record level: about 33.5 million voters, one out of every five eligible, did not vote. The candidates competing in the second round now aim to win over this large group of voters.
Brazil registered the highest abstention rate in history for a presidential contest in the 2022 elections. About 33.5 million eligible voters did not go to the polls, which represents approximately one in five Brazilians with the right to vote. The number, released after the first round count, has raised a warning among political analysts and parties, who are now rushing to win over this absent electorate in the second round.
The two candidates who have advanced to the decisive stage face the challenge of mobilizing those who remain at home. Abstention, which had been growing election after election, became one of the main themes behind the campaigns. Communications and transport logistics strategies on voting day were revised to try to reduce the number of missing persons.
Historical record worries parties and analysts
The abstention rate in 2022 exceeded all previous records for presidential elections in the country. In absolute numbers, the 33.5 million absentees form a larger contingent than the population of many Brazilian states. This mass of voters, if mobilized, would have the potential to significantly alter the outcome of the second round.
Experts heard by the press point out that abstention is not a uniform phenomenon: it is usually higher among lower-income voters, suburban residents and young people. Difficulty in accessing polling places, misinformation about the date and disinterest in politics are highlighted as factors contributing to non-attendance.
Who are the voters who did not vote
Although the source has not detailed the exact profile of the absentees, historical data from the Superior Electoral Court indicate that abstention tends to be higher in metropolitan regions and among voters with lower education. The COVID-19 pandemic has also left sequels in electoral participation, with part of the population still fearful of agglomerations.
In addition, voluntary voting for 16- and 17-year-olds and for those over 70 contributes to increasing the number of non-voters. In these groups, the decision not to attend is legal and does not generate a fine, which reduces the incentive to participate.
Impact in the second round
With the dispute being heated, every vote counts. The candidates competing in the second round intensified the actions to convince the voters who abstained in the first round. Carretas, transport riots and social media campaigns were some of the strategies adopted to try to reverse abstention.
The task, however, is not simple. Convincing those who have already shown disinterest or faced practical barriers requires more than electoral propaganda. Concrete solutions need to be offered, such as free transport and clear information about the place of voting.
What the law says about abstention
In Brazil, voting is compulsory for citizens between 18 and 70 years of age. Those who do not attend and do not justify their absence are subject to a symbolic fine and restrictions in public services, such as the issuance of a passport and participation in competitions. Still, the punishment has not been sufficient to ensure a massive presence at the polls.
For the second round, the expectation is that abstention will be repeated at high levels, although historically there is a small reduction compared to the first round. The mobilization of campaigns and the awareness of society can influence this number.
Challenges to reduce abstention
Experts advocate long-term measures to increase electoral participation, such as expanding political education in schools and improving transport infrastructure on voting days. The simplification of the process of justification is also pointed out as a way to prevent voters from stopping voting for fear of bureaucracy.
Meanwhile, the candidates of the second round continue in campaign to win the votes of those who stayed at home. The result of the polls will show whether the record abstention will have a decisive impact on the choice of the next president.
To follow the full coverage of the elections and the unfolding of the second round, continue browsing the Boca no Trombone portal.
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