Alternation of Power and Success of Polls Attest to the Smoothness of Electronic Voting Machines

A country of continental dimensions, thousands of municipalities, and an immense population managed, with its own technology, to organize secure elections with results that were quickly known

In 1996, when electronic voting machines began to be used in electoral colleges, there was concern about difficulties that voters might have in handling innovation. The fears proved to be exaggerated, as there were few technical problems in that first experience.

"Electronic voting, by making fraud difficult and speeding up counting, is an excellent contribution to democracy, despite the small flaws," noted Folha at the time.

In the municipal elections of 2000, when electronic voting machines started to be used throughout the national territory, the success and importance of the system were evident. "The evolution achieved by the Electoral Justice regarding the organization of voting in Brazil is remarkable," wrote this newspaper.

A country of continental dimensions, thousands of municipalities, and an immense population managed, with its own technology, to organize secure elections with results that were quickly known and recognized, which contributed to the longest period of democratic stability in its history.

Over more than two decades and 13 electoral years, nothing has been registered that could support the suspicions that Jair Bolsonaro (PL) casts, interested and irresponsibly, on the polls. During the period, he himself won five terms as a federal deputy and one as president of the Republic — he was not defeated, it should be noted, in computerized voting.

The alternation of power has been observed in all levels of government, which demoralizes conspiratorial favoritism theses. Digital terminals captured both the rise of the PT in the 2000s and the right-wing and anti-political wave of 2018.

Yesterday and today, the numbers obtained show consistent adherence to polls of voting intentions carried out by independent institutes.

Datafolha points out that 82% of Brazilians eligible to vote today declare they trust electronic voting machines, a significant growth compared to 69% in December 2020; the share of those who do not trust shrunk from 29% to 17%. It is eloquently demonstrated that Bolsonaro preaches in the void.

Or, at best, he stirs up the spirits of a few willing to participate in his coup trials, which alternate intimidation and retreat while the risk of defeat in October remains high.

It is a stupid offensive against a valuable national achievement and, in the end, against all the voters and elected representatives of the country.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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