IDF Soldiers to Vote Beyond Borders for First Time in Upcoming Elections

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is finalizing preparations for the upcoming elections, scheduled for October 27, amidst a complex operational reality. For the first time in history, soldiers serving in operational capacities beyond Israeli borders will be able to cast their votes. Early voting for all conscripted and reserve soldiers will commence on the evening of October 20 and continue for a week.

Approximately 850 polling stations will be established across all operational sectors starting next week, a significant increase from the 700 used in the previous elections. This expansion is attributed to a rise in reserve forces and evolving operational areas. Of the total polling stations, about 75% will be stationary, while the remaining 25% will be mobile, primarily operating during the early voting period. These mobile stations will travel between units according to a predetermined schedule, with each polling committee accompanied by an armed officer or NCO for security. The secondary ballot box will remain locked during transit between units.

To prevent errors or duplicate voting, soldiers have the option to vote either at a military polling station or at a civilian polling station in their place of residence. Voting at military polling stations will utilize double envelopes to ensure each soldier votes only once. The complex operation is overseen by Colonel Vered Ben Yehuda, who also serves as the Head of the IDF's Civilian Employment Center and has been appointed as the IDF Elections Officer.

The election system will involve hundreds of election officers and approximately 3,000 soldiers trained to serve on polling committees. Each committee will consist of four soldiers familiar with voting procedures. The IDF emphasizes that the election system's objective is to facilitate voting smoothly without engaging in political content, maintaining the army's state-oriented character and its distance from partisan political discourse.