One of the most striking differences between the two systems is the mandatory nature of voting. In Brazil, voting is mandatory for citizens between the ages of 18 and 70. Those who do not vote must justify their absence or face penalties, such as fines or restrictions on certain civil rights, such as obtaining a passport or participating in public examinations.
Photo of a voting room in Brazil and a person in the voting booth
Credits: Paulo Pinto - Public Photos
In the United States, voting is voluntary. Citizens can choose not to vote croatia mobile database without facing any penalty. This means that election campaigns in the US have to work hard not only to win votes, but also to ensure that voters turn out on Election Day.
Bipartisanship in the US and multipartisanship in Brazil
The political system in the United States is dominated by two major parties: the Democrats and the Republicans. Although there are other smaller parties, the structure of the electoral system makes it difficult for these smaller parties to have significant representation. This results in an election that is, in practice, two-party.
Here, the scenario is quite different. Since 2023, Brazil has had 29 registered political parties , and elections are marked by significant party fragmentation. This allows for greater diversity of representation, but can also lead to more complex governance , with the need for coalitions to form majorities.
Voting day and second round
Another significant difference is the way voting days are organized. In the United States, elections are always held on a Tuesday in November, which is not a holiday. This can make it difficult for voters to participate, as they often have to juggle voting hours with work. To get around this, many states allow early voting or voting by mail.