The Federal Senate of Brazil will be carrying out a citizen survey to find out the opinion of the Brazilian population on the issues discussed in Congress, through telephone polls. 

So if you receive a phone call and the person on the other end identifies themselves and tells you that they have contacted you for a Senate opinion poll, don't hesitate to speak up.  It is not a prank or a scam. It can be a way to participate in important decisions that have an impact on the country.

One example is the consultation on ‘Legalisation of gambling and casinos’ that started on Friday (21). Senado Verifica published an explanation of this survey in response to the request of several people who wanted to check the veracity of the initiative. The survey is being conducted among citizens over the age of 16, by telephone, and will run until 27 February, according to the Senate's fake news checking service.

The DataSenado Research Institute, linked to the Transparency Secretariat, is responsible for these polls. Created in 2004, it has listened to more than 4 million people in 132 scientifically sampled opinion polls across the country on issues such as domestic violence, public safety, political reform, the environment, violence against black youth, and the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA). It also conducted 229 online polls and surveys, as well as internal consultations to assist the administration.

Understanding how surveys are conducted

To select respondents, DataSenado relies on statistical professionals who draw completely random samples, allowing all Brazilians the opportunity to participate.

Generally, contact is made by telephone, through a process known as ‘random dialling’, in which numbers are generated randomly, without starting from any known or particular list. In this way, any telephone number in the country can be called at any time to participate in DataSenado surveys.

Survey confidentiality and anonymity 

Interviewers are trained to treat all citizens with respect, politeness and cordiality. They never ask for sensitive data, such as the interviewee's name, ID number or any other personal information. The Senate is committed to legislation on personal data protection and privacy. If the interviewee agrees, he/she can provide a valid e-mail address over the phone to participate in future online surveys. The data is treated confidentially and stored on secure computers.

Researchers wishing to use the anonymised databases for academic studies can apply to DataSenado, which makes every effort to ensure that no respondent can be identified, retaining only the information necessary for statistical studies.
DataSenate also conducts e-mail surveys and publishes polls on the Senate website. The e-mail address used to contact citizens is pesquisa@senado.leg.br.

To learn more, visit www.senado.leg.br/datasenado or watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiAxFuP6ENc

Agência Senado