IDF to Begin Voting for 2026 Elections Next Week with Over 800 Polling Stations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will commence voting for the upcoming Knesset elections on October 20, with polling stations opening seven days before election day itself. More than 800 polling stations will be established within IDF units, an increase of approximately 100 from the previous election cycle when 709 stations were set up. Notably, unlike in past elections, polling stations will also be located outside of Israel to accommodate forces stationed abroad. This expansion is partly attributed to the widespread deployment of troops.

The IDF anticipates a voter turnout similar to the previous election, which saw about 73% participation among regular and reserve soldiers. All eligible soldiers can vote at any military or civilian polling station using double envelopes to ensure voter eligibility and prevent duplicate voting. To ensure accessibility for soldiers serving on naval vessels, in isolated outposts, or on planned operations, voting will continue for seven days until election day.

Approximately 25% of the military polling stations will be mobile, traveling between units according to a predetermined schedule. Each mobile station will be secured by an armed officer or non-commissioned officer. While the Central Elections Committee coordinates the voting process, the IDF is responsible for its execution. The IDF's election preparations are led by Colonel Vered Ben Yehuda, Head of the IDF Civilian Employment Center, who has been appointed as the IDF Election Officer. The operation involves hundreds of officers and approximately 3,000 specially trained soldiers.

Each polling committee will consist of four members, typically conscript soldiers up to the rank of sergeant first class, though NCOs and reservists may be included at certain locations. The election staff's role is strictly technical and organizational, focused on facilitating voting and maintaining the integrity of the process, without engaging in political content. Significant effort is being dedicated to educating soldiers, particularly first-time voters, on election rules. The IDF is disseminating guidelines through internal networks and media, instructing commanders on permissible conduct during the election period, including boundaries for political discourse within units, emphasizing the importance of keeping the military apolitical. The IDF stated that disciplinary sanctions will be imposed for any procedural violations, including inappropriate political statements by commanders.