Voters report finding closed ballot boxes in São Paulo despite the extension of voting hours

The extension of voting hours during Brazil’s presidential runoff did not prevent several voters from being unable to cast their ballots this Sunday, October 25, after finding polling stations closed in different parts of São Paulo.

One of the cases was recorded in the Pinheiros neighborhood, in the western part of the city, where citizens went to a polling station after learning of the judicial decision that extended the voting hours. However, upon arrival, they were informed that they could no longer cast their votes.

Among those affected is 34-year-old Henny Lauer, who expressed her indignation at not being able to participate in the elections, despite the efforts she made to travel to the polling station.

“I am frustrated because I know my vote was important, and even more so now,” the voter stated.

Lauer explained that he had spent the weekend recovering from health issues that even required hospital care. However, upon learning of the extended hours, he decided to go to his polling place.

“I took more medication when I saw the decision (regarding the extension) and came,” he recounted.

Closed ballot boxes generate confusion

The situation occurred after magistrate Cristiano Zanin, of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), ordered the extension of the voting day by two hours, which was initially scheduled to conclude at 5:00 p.m.

Subsequently, the judicial authorities clarified that the extension would only be applicable to the polling stations that remained open, with no possibility of reactivating those where the voting process had already concluded.

This provision caused confusion among citizens who interpreted the initial announcement as an opportunity to go to the polls until 7:00 p.m.

Consequently, some voters arrived at their polling stations within the extended hours, but found the polls closed and were unable to exercise their right to vote.

Polls closed: certificates delivered

Faced with the difficulties reported, representatives of the electoral justice system began issuing certificates to citizens who appeared at polling stations but were unable to cast their votes.

These documents serve as proof that voters went to the polling stations, even though they found the tables closed.

The incident adds to the inconveniences recorded during the closing of the second round of the Brazilian presidential election, following the extraordinary decision to extend voting hours and the difficulties in implementing the measure in centers where the ballot boxes had already been closed.