Israeli Election Guide: How to Vote in the Upcoming Knesset Elections
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israelis will vote in the 26th Knesset elections on October 27, 2026, with 7,331,981 citizens eligible to cast ballots. Voters can verify their eligibility and polling station location through the Central Elections Committee or the Ministry of Interior. Identification is required at the polls, and voting hours vary by location. A new tool, "Political Match," is available to help voters assess party platforms.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's 26th Knesset elections are scheduled for October 27, 2026, with 7,331,981 eligible voters.
- All Israeli citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to vote.
- Voters can confirm their polling station and eligibility via phone or online services.
- Valid identification is required to vote at one of the 12,018 polling stations.
- Polling hours are generally 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with variations in smaller communities.
- A "Political Match" tool is available to help voters compare party stances.
With the 26th Knesset elections just a week away, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Israeli citizens are preparing to cast their ballots. All Israeli citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to vote. A total of 35 parties are competing for votes in this election. Eligibility is determined by birthdate; specifically, any Israeli citizen born on November 14, 2008, which corresponds to the Hebrew date 16 Cheshvan 5769, can vote. The Central Elections Committee reports that 7,331,981 citizens are eligible to vote, an increase of 543,177 voters since the previous election. Voting will take place at 12,018 regular polling stations, with additional stations located in hospitals and prisons.
Citizens can verify their eligibility and find their designated polling station by contacting the Elections Committee or by using the Ministry of Interior's "Election Intelligence" service, which requires a national ID number and date of birth. For information on accessible polling stations and locations, voters can call 1-800-101-975 or 073-245-8358. The call center operates Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Voters can also use an SMS or WhatsApp service at 053-3801-464 for 24-hour self-service.
Polling hours will generally be from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the exception of smaller communities where polls will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To vote, individuals must present valid identification, such as an ID card, driver's license, passport, valid IDF military ID, police ID, or a Knesset member ID from the outgoing Knesset.
N12, in collaboration with the 121 organization, has launched "Political Match," a tool to help undecided voters identify which party aligns best with their views. The tool compares stances on various issues and does not serve as a voting recommendation. Further details on the parties' social positions can be found on the website of "121 - Engine for Social Change."
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