Israel's Next Election to See Over 7.3 Million Eligible Voters
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israel's 2026 elections will include over 7.3 million eligible voters, with more than 618,000 new voters reaching the age of 18. The upcoming election marks the first time in 38 years that a Knesset is expected to complete its full term. To vote, individuals must be 18 or older and registered, while the minimum age to run for Knesset is 21, with certain legal restrictions applying to candidates.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Over 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote in the 2026 elections.
- More than 618,000 Israelis have reached voting age since the last election.
- The current Knesset is set to be the first in 38 years to complete a full term.
- The minimum age to vote in Israel is 18, while the minimum age to run for Knesset is 21.
- Voter eligibility is based on age and registration, with specific legal restrictions for candidates.
Israel's upcoming 2026 elections will feature more than 7.3 million eligible voters, an increase of approximately 8% since the previous election. This growth is attributed to over 618,000 Israelis reaching voting age. The current Knesset is also poised to set a record, being the first in 38 years to complete its full term. The last Knesset to achieve this was the 11th, which concluded its term in November 1988. Since the establishment of the state, only six previous Knessets have served full terms, and the 25th will be the seventh.
Eligibility to vote in Knesset elections is granted to any Israeli citizen aged 18 or older by election day, provided they are registered in the voters' roll and have not had their voting rights revoked by a court. Israel employs a special rule for age calculation, considering both the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars to maximize voter inclusion. The Central Elections Committee determines the definitive calendar for registration purposes, but any citizen turning 18 by election day according to either calendar is eligible, subject to other conditions.
While the voting age is 18, the minimum age to run for Knesset is 21. Any Israeli citizen who is 21 or older on the day a candidate list is submitted is eligible to be elected, within legal limitations. The law restricts candidacy for certain officeholders unless they resign by the required deadline. Additionally, individuals convicted of offenses resulting in over three months of imprisonment must wait seven years after completing their sentence, unless the Central Elections Committee chair deems the offense not to be of disgrace. For severe terrorism or security offenses with sentences exceeding seven years, the restriction period is 14 years, again subject to a determination of no disgrace by the committee chair. The Supreme Court has previously overturned disqualifications of candidate lists and individuals, with one case being dismissed after the candidate withdrew their candidacy.
