Brazilian Supreme Court Extends Voting Hours for Presidential Runoff

Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin ordered a two-hour extension for voting across Brazil on Sunday, October 25, moving the nationwide closing time to 7:00 PM Brasília time[1][9][10][14][15]. This decision by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) came after reports of transportation difficulties impacting voters across the country[1][10].

This extension impacts millions of Brazilian voters participating in the presidential runoff, aiming to ensure broader access to polling stations despite reported challenges like public transportation shortages and severe weather conditions[1][10]. The original voting hours for the second round of elections were scheduled from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Brasília time[7][12][13].

What the Records Show

The Supreme Federal Court's decision to extend voting hours was prompted by concerns over public transportation shortages and severe weather affecting access to polling stations[1][10]. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's campaign specifically requested the extension, citing the unavailability of public transport in some areas[1]. The Brazilian Federation of Hope, which includes Lula's Workers' Party (PT), also activated the STF to request the extension for municipalities affected by transport problems[11].

Reports indicated issues in nine states with buses meant to transport voters to polling places[2][6]. For example, in Bahia state, at least 75 public buses were reportedly prevented from leaving municipal garages during the election[3]. A state electoral judge ordered the arrest of Salvador mobility secretary Pablo Souza in connection with this case[3]. There were also reports of issues with bus availability in other cities such as João Pessoa, Recife, São Paulo, and Sergipe, with ferries reportedly ceasing operation in Para[8].

Before Justice Zanin's order, both presidential candidates had asked Brazil's electoral court to extend voting hours in some cities[2][6]. Lula's request focused on public transportation issues, while Flávio Bolsonaro's request was due to heavy rains in Brazil's south[2][6]. President of Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, Kassio Nunes Marques, confirmed that electoral authorities received a report on bus problems in Bahia and were analyzing it, but he had not confirmed an extension at that time[3][6].

What Lula Said Publicly

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke publicly about the transportation issues, stating, "We will not be robbed by mayors, governors or businessmen." He added that people affected by delays or the removal of buses needed the chance to vote, emphasizing that "No one can be prevented from voting because of some bad businessman or crooked mayor"[8]. He also shared that nearly 40% of buses in São Paulo had been taken out of circulation[8].

What we could not confirm

It could not be confirmed how many voters were directly impacted by the transportation issues or severe weather before the extension was granted. The specific legal mechanism or precedent Justice Zanin utilized to override previous rulings on fixed voting hours could not be confirmed from the evidence. It also could not be confirmed if Flávio Bolsonaro's request for an extension due to heavy rains was also addressed by Justice Zanin's order.