ELECTORAL POLITICAL RIGHTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING IN THE LIGHT OF THE BRAZILIAN LEGAL SYSTEM

Abstract

The article "Electoral Political Rights and the Importance of Voting in the Light of the Legal System" analyzes the evolution of electoral political rights in Brazil and in the world, highlighting the relevance of voting in the legitimation of democratic institutions and popular sovereignty. With a historical-constitutional approach, the study reviews the trajectory of political rights, from Antiquity to the present day, focusing on the expansion of political participation, including women, illiterates and young people. In Brazil, the 1988 Constitution consolidated universal and direct suffrage, strengthening representative democracy. However, the article identifies contemporary challenges, such as crises of representation, political disinterest, and corruption, which affect the quality of democracy. The use of technologies, such as electronic voting machines, is highlighted as an important innovation to ensure transparency and security in elections. The text concludes that, despite the advances, it is crucial to promote political education and electoral awareness to ensure the critical and informed exercise of political rights. Proposals for reform in the legal system, with an emphasis on civic education and digital citizenship, are presented as solutions to address these challenges and strengthen democracy. The active and conscious participation of citizens, especially young people, is seen as essential for the consolidation of a robust and inclusive democratic system.