October is a high-stakes month in Brazilian politics. Every four years, Brazilians head to the polls to choose their representatives at different levels of government, from the president to members of Congress and state governments. This month carries a different weight for those who are just beginning to exercise one of the most important and necessary rights of citizenship, the right to vote.
With political conversations everywhere, from debates about women’s rights to discussions about the polarization between the right and the left, do you understand the importance of exercising citizenship? Do you know why your voice matters? To explore these questions, Her Campus Cásper Líbero sat down with a political scientist and a first-time voter.
WHO INFLUENCES YOUR VOTE?
From an early age, family is one of our main points of reference. Habits, beliefs, customs, and quirks are shaped by parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles. Politics is no different.
For Sérgio Praça, a political scientist, one’s social circle, whether family or friends, can serve as a helpful shortcut for those who don’t yet identify with any candidate, even if that influence isn’t decisive. “Influence doesn’t necessarily mean obedience: many people listen to those close to them and then weigh that opinion against their own experiences and priorities”, he says.
Journalism student Maria Eduarda Toti, 19, who will vote for the first time this year, says that even though she doesn’t feel influenced by her parents, she enjoys debating political opinions with them. “I think it’s important for us to have that kind of conversation without fighting or arguing, but where each person respects the other’s opinion.” For her, political debates are about understanding both sides and how each one thinks, even when opinions don’t match.
A first vote is an opportunity to form one’s own judgment. So that it doesn’t become a loyalty test to any particular group, and so the decision isn’t outsourced, it’s important to understand the positions being decided in the election, the candidate’s platforms, and their track records.
Absolute certainty isn’t necessary, but it is important to understand what makes sense, not just for oneself, but for society as a whole. “Democracy means choosing with the information available, acknowledging doubts, and following up on what elected officials actually do afterward”, Praça explains.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND POLITICS
Beyond the influence of one’s social circle, the internet today plays a fundamental role in shaping political opinions. Even though TikTok clips and Instagram posts aren’t the best tools for understanding politics, social media does shape important aspects of the political landscape, such as which candidates become well-known and which emotions are mobilized.
For social media to broaden access to politics rather than reinforce biases and spread misinformation, it is essential to critically evaluate what the algorithm shows you. In this context, seeking out information about candidates and their track records matters far more than relying on images, soundbites, or isolated clips.
Still, according to the political scientist, voters need to distinguish visibility from competence. “A candidate appearing everywhere doesn’t mean they have experience, good policies, or the ability to govern”.
WHY DOES YOUR VOTE MATTER?
In Brazil, voting is not only a right but also a civic duty. Exercising that right and actively taking part in choosing the representatives who will make important decisions for society marks the beginning of active participation in public life.
Praça explains that this is the moment when a person stops simply being affected by political decisions and starts helping to shape them.
Toti, in turn, says that, in her first year as a voter, she feels a bit of pressure, even though she understands the importance of voting. “It’s a responsibility I feel toward society, in terms of helping others. I ask myself: ‘Am I making the right choice?'”
Despite that uncertainty, the student is part of a generation that is helping to renew politics. Interest in the subject is important because it directly affects the present and the future of society.
The decisions made today will shape access to healthcare, public safety, and future opportunities. In this context, one of the main responsibilities of first-time voters is to bring their own perspectives while exercising critical thinking and a sense of collectivity.
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The article above was edited by Julia Delboni.
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