On Sunday, Brazilians will head to the polls to elect their next president. For the first time, Brazilians in New Hampshire will be able to cast their ballot in state, at Nashua’s Elm Street Middle School.
In previous elections, many New Hampshire Brazilians would to head to Boston or Brighton to vote.
Cosme Neles is the president of Nashua's Latino Community Council, and he asked the Brazilian consulate in Boston to add Nashua to their list of polling places.
He started the process this past February. Through an interpreter, he said he wanted to make things more accessible for voters.
Neles will also help out at the polls on Sunday, welcoming people at the door.
Aloíso Costa has lived in Nashua for 18 years, and he's a pastor at a Nashua church. He says it's been a polarizing campaign in Brazil, but people are excited to vote.
“Voting in Nashua is even better, because you don't have to go to Boston or other cities. It makes it easier for everybody,” he said.
Voting is compulsory in Brazil, including for citizens living abroad. If citizens do not vote, they have to provide an explanation. There is also the possibility of a fine.
Neles expects about 1,500 voters from Nashua and some neighboring Massachusetts towns will turn out. The polls are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
