Santa Catarina's Electorate Grows to 5.7 Million, Women Form Majority
Santa Catarina (SC) will have 5,725,753 voters in the upcoming 2026 elections, marking a 1.81% increase compared to 2024. The Regional Electoral Court of Santa Catarina (TRE-SC) announced that women constitute the majority of the electorate this year, representing 52.26% of voters, up from 51% in the previous election. Men make up 47.74% of the electorate. The first round of voting is scheduled for October 4th. The state has 295 municipalities, 100 electoral zones, and 3,473 polling stations. Approximately 80,000 poll workers are expected to be called upon. Biometric identification is not mandatory but enhances security. The largest age group of voters falls between 40 and 44 years old, with 593,960 individuals (10.37%). The state also has 49,177 voters with reported disabilities, including those with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments, and those who have difficulty exercising their vote. The TRE-SC highlighted challenges for this election, including the use of artificial intelligence, industrial-scale disinformation, potential long queues at polling stations, and the need to ensure voter safety and accessibility amidst climate alerts. Key election dates include party conventions by August 5th, candidate registration by August 15th, and the general electoral propaganda period from August 16th to October 1st. The election will fill positions for 16 federal deputies, 40 state deputies, 2 senators, 1 governor and vice-governor, and 1 president and vice-president.
The growth in Santa Catarina's electorate and the increasing female majority reflect demographic shifts and potentially enhanced voter registration efforts. The TRE-SC's proactive identification of challenges, particularly concerning AI-driven disinformation and logistical issues like long queues, underscores the evolving landscape of electoral integrity. The focus on biometric identification as a security measure, while not mandatory, points to a broader trend of leveraging technology to safeguard voting processes. The inclusion of specific voter groups, such as those with disabilities and young or elderly citizens, highlights the importance of accessibility and equitable participation. As electoral bodies grapple with sophisticated disinformation campaigns, the emphasis on voter education and robust verification mechanisms will be critical for maintaining public trust in democratic outcomes over the next decade.
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