The House of Representatives is discussing a bill that provides for the criminalization of the use of cell phones, camcorders and other electronic equipment in the voting booth. The proposal, presented by Deputy Dani Cunha (União Brasil-RJ), aims to ensure the confidentiality of the vote and avoid possible pressures or coercions during the electoral process.
By the text, the simple act of bringing an electronic device to the voting booth, even if turned off, may result in a penalty of 1 to 3 years of detention, in addition to a fine of $ 500 to $ 1,000. If the voter actually violates the confidentiality of the vote – through recordings or records of the vote – the penalty may reach 5 years of imprisonment.
The parliamentarian argues that while there is already a rule of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) prohibiting the use of cell phones during the vote, this rule is often breached. The proposal, therefore, aims to give legal support to the punishment of those who try to circumvent this measure.
According to the project, the equipment should be turned off and deposited in a visible place for both voter and polling station. If the voter refuses to deliver the device, he will be prevented from voting.
The proposal is under analysis at the Chamber’s Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) and, if approved, will go to the plenary vote. The measure gains relevance amid debates on the security of the electoral process and the spread of misinformation during the elections.