Brazilian Politics and Voting

Is it that season again already? Here political campaigns are in the last stretch. Getting ready for the big finish October 1st. Yes, that is right: Sunday. And citizens are required to vote, unless they have a really good excuse.

Here are some of the big differences I have noticed about voting in Brazil:

• Voting is done by computer. Its not a huge PC type box; it is more the size of a kids meal box at McFastfat. It has a grayscale LCD on the left, and a numerical keypad on the right (complete with braille). Many people in Brazil cannot read, so each candidate is assigned a number, and the LCD displays a picture when you enter the corresponding number.
• Because of the first reason, the candidates almost always use full color ads with their picture and number. When I first saw them last year, I wondered if they were some sort of mug-shot. Now I know better.
• Commercials are... less than polished. Even at the presidential level, they tend to communicate less information. And they tend to be very poorly designed and executed. There are exceptions, but I am aiming at the middle here. Some of the commercials have been so bad that I would rather watch an ad from a used car salesman in the US.
• There are two times of the day (at least, there may be more) when all the TV stations air only political commercials. The government reserves these times for the candidates to get advertising time. Some use it better than others (see above).
• There are a ton of parties. No, not “festa.” Political parties. I think there are about 10 to choose from. Maybe more.
• Last year they voted for mayors, and other city officials. [See comments for correction] This year they are voting for President, Federal Deputies, and State Representatives.
• There seem to be a lot more rallies, and gatherings.
• One way of advertising a campaign is to get a “sound car” (a car with a huge PA system on/in it) and have them drive through neighborhoods playing your campaign song. The song usually consists of your name, number, and some sort of catchy rhyme.

That's a few. I am sure there are more. Its almost over, and I will be glad when it is. I am tired of seeing the signs everywhere.

As a sidebar, yesterday the party that President Lula belongs to was caught paying for a dossier of dirt on another candidate. Here is a story I found on it (in English).

If you have questions about this I will be happy to do my best to answer them. :D