THE SOCIAL REPRESENTATION OF VOTING AS AN EXERCISE OF CITIZENSHIP AND DEMOCRACY

Abstract

This article aims to study the representation of voting as a symbol of citizenship and democracy. This scientific article is the result of a research project conducted at the State University of Goiás, as part of the author's broader project titled "Constitution, Fundamental Rights, and Social Representation." The study begins with a bibliographic review of the concepts of democracy, citizenship, and the theory of Social Representation. Subsequently, it analyzes graphical results using the Iramuteq software. The general objective of analyzing the representational view of voting as an exercise of citizenship was achieved. The expected results indicated that the voting population demands respect, equality, dignity, and security in choosing their representatives. The methodology included both a bibliographic study and field research, conducted through questionnaires using Microsoft Forms. Two evocative questions were posed with the words "Citizenship" and "Election and Democracy," along with a subjective question asking voters "what exercising the right to vote in Brazil means to them." After collecting responses, the data were processed using Iramuteq, generating graphs and tables that suggested a possible social representation. For Brazilian citizens, voting is a fundamental right used to choose representatives across government levels. This process should be guided by respect and equality to avoid chaos, disorder, and lack of security during elections. This study is significant due to its timely exploration of the public's idealized representation of democracy and its exercise through voting.