Israel Election Day: What Documents Are Valid for Voting

Israeli citizens heading to the polls on October 27 for Knesset elections can use several forms of identification to cast their ballots. While the primary and most straightforward document is the "teudat zehut" (Israeli identity card or passport), the Ministry of Interior acknowledges that many citizens may not have it readily available. Therefore, voters can also present a valid driver's license or a valid foreign passport (known as a "darkon").

Crucially, the driver's license and foreign passport must be current. In contrast, an expired "teudat zehut" may still be accepted if it is in good condition and the photograph is clearly recognizable. However, election officials at a specific polling station might refuse to accept an expired "teudat zehut," making it advisable to bring a driver's license or foreign passport as a backup.

Special provisions exist for certain groups. Military personnel can vote using their army identification card, referred to as "hoger," "teudat nagad," or "teudat katzin." Police officers can use their police ID, which is mandatory if they are voting outside their usual precinct. Current Knesset members can identify themselves with their Knesset member ID card.

Election notices sent out before election day are informational only and not valid identification. Citizens who have not received a notice or are unsure of their polling station location can find this information on the government services website by entering their ID number and date of birth. To be eligible to vote, citizens must be at least 18 years old by election day, have obtained citizenship no later than September 3, and be registered with a residential address in the Population Registry.