Israeli Election Guide: How and Where to Vote
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Israelis will vote in the 26th Knesset elections on October 27, with over 7.3 million eligible voters. Voters must generally use their assigned polling station but can find their location online or by phone. Special provisions allow certain groups, including soldiers, the hospitalized, and those with disabilities, to vote elsewhere using a double envelope system. Valid identification, such as an ID card, passport, or driver's license, is required to cast a ballot.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Over 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote in the 26th Knesset elections on October 27.
- Voters must generally use their assigned polling station, but location can be found online or by phone.
- Special voting arrangements exist for soldiers, the hospitalized, people with disabilities, and displaced individuals.
- Valid identification, including an ID card, passport, or driver's license, is required to vote.
- Most polling stations will be open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on election day.
Israelis will head to the polls on Tuesday, October 27, for the 26th Knesset elections, with over 7.3 million eligible voters. While voters typically receive a mailer with their assigned polling station, this is not required to vote. Those who haven't received or lost their mailer can easily find their polling location online by entering their ID number and birth date on the Interior Ministry's website, or by calling a dedicated hotline. The voter registry was finalized on September 6, 2026.
Generally, voters must cast their ballot at their designated polling station based on their registered address. However, exceptions exist for specific groups, including active duty and reserve soldiers, hospitalized individuals, police officers, prisoners, detainees, and those with disabilities under specific conditions. A special arrangement is also in place for individuals displaced due to security situations. These groups often vote using a "double envelope" system, where their ballot is placed in a regular envelope, which is then put into an outer envelope containing their personal details to ensure no double voting while maintaining ballot secrecy.
To vote, Israelis must present a valid form of identification, such as an Israeli ID card (even if expired, provided the photo is clear), a valid Israeli passport, or a valid Israeli driver's license. Military or police IDs are also accepted for respective personnel. Those without an ID can obtain a new one on election day at Population and Immigration Authority offices without an appointment. The voter mailer and ID card stub are not required.
Most polling stations nationwide will operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Smaller communities, hospitals, and prisons will have stations open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Voters in line before closing time are still permitted to vote. For soldiers, approximately 800 military polling stations will be set up across bases and operational zones, with some mobile units. Soldiers can vote at any military polling station or their designated civilian one, but not both. Early voting for soldiers in approved units will begin on October 20 at 10:00 PM to accommodate those on operational duty.
Accessible polling stations are available for individuals with mobility issues. Special accessible stations allow eligible voters to cast ballots even if they are not registered there, using the double envelope method. Around 6,231 accessible polling stations are planned nationwide, including about 3,510 special accessible ones. Hospitalized patients can vote at special polling stations within hospitals between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, requiring official identification and a specific hospital voting certificate. Visitors cannot vote at hospital stations, but hospital staff working on election day are eligible under certain conditions. Police officers on duty can vote at any polling station they are stationed at using the double envelope system, requiring their police ID or civilian ID with a service confirmation. Prisoners and detainees will vote at special polling stations within correctional facilities.
