Electoral harassment at work in Brazil: what it is and how to report it

Electoral harassment is any pressure by an employer to influence an employee's vote: threatening dismissal, promising bonuses, demanding a photo of the ballot or requiring participation in political events. It is a form of workplace harassment, can lead to moral damages and is an electoral crime when violence or serious threats are used to coerce the vote (Electoral Code, art. 301).

Quick summary

• Examples: threats of dismissal, promised benefits, requests for a photo of the vote, mandatory candidate clothing or stickers.
• Also covered: pressure from managers, not just the owner.
• Where to report: the Labor Prosecution Office (MPT), the Electoral Prosecution Office and Pardal, the Electoral Court's app.
• Consequences: compensation for the employee, collective action by the MPT and criminal liability.
• The vote is secret: no one can demand proof of who you voted for.

How to recognize it

1. Meetings in which managers say jobs depend on the election result.
2. Promised bonuses, time off or raises if a given candidate wins.
3. Demands to photograph the ballot or join motorcades and events.
4. Mandatory distribution of campaign material at work.

What to do

• Keep evidence: messages, emails, recordings of meetings you took part in and witnesses' names.
• Report to the MPT on its website (mpt.mp.br), which accepts confidential reports.
• Notify the Electoral Prosecution Office or use the Pardal app.
• If you are dismissed for this reason, the dismissal can be challenged in the Labor Courts as discriminatory.

Frequently asked questions

Can my boss ask me to vote for a candidate?

They may express their own opinion, but cannot pressure, threaten or offer benefits tied to your vote.

Can I be fired for voting differently from my boss?

No. Dismissal for political reasons is discriminatory and can lead to reinstatement or compensation.

Does electoral harassment only happen in election years?

The risk is higher during campaigns, but political pressure at work can be reported at any time.

Read more in this series

• Workplace bullying: how to prove it
• Discriminatory dismissal
• Poll workers: double time off
• Index: complete guide to labor rights

Topic: this guide is part of Harassment, discrimination and privacy at work, with all the guides on the subject.