Brazilians to vote for two senators in upcoming elections

Each of Brazil’s 27 states is represented in Congress by three senators. What may be tricky is that, as senators are the only elected post in the country with an eight-year-long tenure, hopefuls alternate between vying for one third (27 of 81) then for two thirds (54) of seats in the upper house in every general election, held every four years.

Electoral authorities have reminded voters that the order of ballots is not relevant, and that, if the same candidate is chosen twice, only a single vote is taken into account.

The two contenders amassing the highest number of votes will occupy the seat, even if none of them polls more than 50 percent of the ballot. Thus, no second round is held for the Senate, unlike the elections for president and state governor.

On October 7, when the first round of elections is slated to take place, Brazilians also head to the polls to choose their federal, state, and district deputies.