IDF Prepares Unprecedented Election Operation Amidst Combat
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The IDF is launching an unprecedented election operation, deploying 850 polling stations across all sectors, including combat zones, to enable all service members to vote. Early voting begins October 20 and lasts seven days, with both stationary and mobile stations. This expansion from 700 stations in the last election reflects increased troop numbers and operational demands. Colonel Wared Ben Yehuda is leading the effort, supported by hundreds of officers and 3,000 soldiers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The IDF will operate 850 polling stations, an unprecedented number, to facilitate voting for all service members.
- Voting will occur across all operational sectors, including in challenging combat conditions.
- Early voting in the IDF begins October 20 and runs for seven days until the general election.
- The number of polling stations increased by 150 compared to the previous election due to force growth.
- Mobile polling stations will be used, accompanied by armed security personnel.
- Colonel Wared Ben Yehuda has been appointed as the IDF's Elections Officer.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is undertaking an unprecedented election operation to ensure all service members can exercise their right to vote, even while operating in challenging combat zones and crossing borders. Next week, approximately 850 polling stations will be established across all IDF units and operational sectors. This increase from the roughly 700 polling stations used in the previous election reflects growth in troop numbers, reserve duty scope, and evolving operational areas.
About 75% of the polling stations will be stationary, while the remaining 25% will be mobile, facilitating early voting. These mobile stations will travel between units according to a predetermined schedule, accompanied by an armed officer or NCO for security. Early voting within the IDF begins Sunday, October 20, and will continue for seven days until the general election on October 27, with both stationary and mobile polling stations available wherever soldiers and active reservists are stationed.
Soldiers have the option to vote at military or civilian polling stations. The process involves double envelopes to verify eligibility and prevent duplicate voting. Mobile polling station ballot boxes will remain locked when moving between locations to maintain the integrity of the process. Colonel Wared Ben Yehuda has been appointed as the IDF's Elections Officer, in addition to her role as head of the IDF Employees Employment Center. Hundreds of election officers and approximately 3,000 soldiers trained as polling committee members will manage the operation. Each polling committee consists of four IDF service members trained in the necessary procedures. The election system's role is to facilitate voting and ensure procedural integrity, remaining neutral on political content or voters' stances, thereby upholding the IDF's state character and keeping it out of political discourse.
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