Israeli Lawyer Argues Residency Shouldn't Bar Voting Rights

Israeli lawyer and writer Buki Kutzman has raised concerns about Israeli citizens residing abroad being disenfranchised during elections. He highlights the case of an Israeli citizen who holds a passport, hasn't had their citizenship revoked, can enter and leave Israel, own property, conduct business, and pay taxes, yet is excluded from voter rolls simply because they lack a registered address in Israel.

Kutzman argues this creates a significant legal and public tension, questioning why the state treats citizenship differently when it comes to voting rights compared to other rights and responsibilities. He points out that in today's globalized world, many Israelis live, study, and manage businesses and families between Israel and other countries, making the distinction between those 'living in Israel' and 'living outside' increasingly complex.

Conversely, Kutzman acknowledges the argument that those living and paying taxes in Israel, utilizing public services, and directly impacted by government decisions may have a stronger claim to participate in shaping the nation's leadership and policies. However, he believes the core issue transcends current elections or governments, focusing instead on the broader legal principle: can a state recognize someone as a full Israeli citizen and then deny them the right to vote based solely on their place of residence?

Concluding his article, Kutzman asserts that 'citizenship is a legal status, while residency is a changing reality.' He calls for a clear legal resolution to the voting rights of citizens residing abroad, rather than leaving it subject to administrative procedures and residential addresses. He emphasizes that a home address should not negate a citizen's right to vote, stating, 'Citizenship is not an address, and democracy cannot begin and end with the question of where your residence is registered.'