Updated On: 10 February, 2026 09:56 AM IST | Lisbon | Agencies
Children who accompanied their parents to polling stations during Portugal’s presidential election were given a chance to cast mock votes featuring popular fictional characters like Super Mario and Roblox instead of real candidates. The initiative aimed to introduce youngsters to the idea of democracy in a fun and engaging way

A child seen at a voting centre on Sunday. PIC/GETTY IMAGES
Children accompanying their parents to a polling station in Portugal’s presidential election Sunday got to try their hand at casting a vote.
Fictional characters popular with children, such as Super Mario and Roblox, were on their ballot paper, not the two politicians. Parents hope the exercise would teach them about democracy.