Just over half of Brazilians trust electronic voting machines, according to Quaest
A survey shows that only 53% of Brazilians trust electronic voting machines, with significant distrust observed among evangelical voters and supporters of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro.
A recent survey conducted by Genial/Quaest indicates that just over half of Brazilians, specifically 53%, have confidence in the electronic voting machines used in their elections. The survey, which collected responses from 2,004 individuals aged 16 and older between February 5 and February 9, reveals a stark divide in trust levels among different voter demographics. About 43% of respondents expressed distrust in the voting system, and the dissent is particularly pronounced among evangelical voters, where 52% reported skepticism, and among voters who supported Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 runoff, with a notable 69% indicating comparable distrust.
The findings further highlight the political polarization surrounding the issue, particularly within Bolsonaro's voter base, where as much as 77% of self-identified bolsonarists distrust the electoral system. In contrast, 65% among the non-bolsonarist right expressed similar feelings of skepticism. The geographical breakdown of trust in the voting system shows significant regional differences, with the southern and central-western/northern regions displaying a trust rate of only 48%. Notably, the northeastern region presents a more favorable outlook, with 59% of respondents expressing trust in the urns, while the southeast records a trust level of 54%.
These survey results come amidst ongoing debates regarding the integrity of Brazil's electoral processes, a topic that has been exacerbated by former President Bolsonaro's ongoing disparagement of the electoral system during his final years in office. The implications of such widespread distrust in the voting process could have profound consequences for Brazil's democracy, potentially impacting future elections and the overall political landscape, as calls for increased scrutiny and transparency grow louder among skeptical segments of the population.