Election campaign begins today in Brazil

As of today (Aug. 16), candidates for the positions of president, governor, senator, as well as federal, state, and district representatives are seeking the votes of 156.4 million Brazilians who have the right to vote in October elections.

According to the electoral legislation, candidates are authorized to hold walks, organize motorcades, use cars with loudspeakers, and distribute campaign material until 10 pm on October 1st, one day before the first round of voting. An eventual second round for president and governor will take place on October 30.

Rallies can be held between 8 am and midnight and can be extended for another two hours, on the last day of the campaign. Rallies with concerts free of charge are prohibited by law.

On the Internet, electoral advertising can be done on websites and social media, but it must be identified as such, and it must display the name of the candidate, party, coalition, or party federation. Advertising through telemarketing is not allowed.

The boosting of content by supporters is also prohibited. Messages can only be sent to voters who voluntarily register to receive them.