Last updated on December 17, 2013

As discussed, there have been several legislative attempts to introduce VVPAT to voting machines, but each attempt has been strongly opposed by the TSE, and legislation has either been repealed or the courts have suspended implementation. While civil society and political parties are generally supportive of using VVPAT, the TSE’s opposition has thus far blocked the introduction of VVPAT. As of late 2012, there is a reform initiative by some deputes on VVPAT is in the Chamber of Deputies but, overall, there are not strong advocates for VVPAT in the legislature. Given the strong opposition of the TSE, this may mean VVPAT will not be implemented in the near term. 

There are many reasons for opposition to the VVPAT, including the cost of introducing this mechanism; the damage that might be caused to the paper and printer in the heat and humidity of many places in the country; and the voter secrecy implications, given that the individual and unique number of each voter would be printed. 

There is a small movement in support of VVPAT in the social media space. An example of this type of initiative is a movement created by Ana Prudente called “Beyond the Electronic, I Want my Vote Printed” (Quero Meu Voto Impresso, Além do Eletrônico). These initiatives are not very influential, but interviews with stakeholders indicate the issue of VVPAT will return to the agenda of the legislature.

NEXT:

Brazil: Post-Election Audits and Evaluation of the System