Guide to Israel's 26th Knesset Elections: What to Bring and Where to Vote

Israel's 26th Knesset elections are scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, with approximately 7.3 million eligible voters. Polling stations across the country will open at 7:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM. Voters are reminded to bring valid identification and know their polling station's address. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid Israeli passport, driver's license, or personal military ID, all bearing a photo. Crucially, even an expired identity card is acceptable for voting. However, a Rav-Kav card, a photo of an ID on a phone, or a mailed voter notification are not sufficient.

While voters are generally required to cast their ballot at their assigned polling station, exceptions exist for individuals with physical mobility limitations. These voters may use a special accessible polling station with a double envelope, and may need to sign a declaration if their limitation is not visually apparent. It is important to note that not all accessible polling stations are designated as "special accessible" and proximity alone does not grant the right to vote at a particular station.

To assist voters, the Central Elections Committee has partnered with Moovit to launch a new service. The Moovit app will display polling station locations, help plan routes, and for the first time, allow users to find the nearest special accessible polling station. Voters can also verify their personal polling station address through the official Central Elections Committee website.

For those who have lost their ID and lack other valid identification, the Population and Immigration Authority is offering a special service. Individuals can visit Population Authority offices without an appointment to apply for an identity card. On election day itself, ten special offices nationwide, including locations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Rishon LeZion, and Be'er Sheva, will operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM to issue temporary identity cards solely for voting purposes. Applicants must bring two recent passport photos.

To avoid long queues, voters are advised that early morning hours are generally less crowded, though peak times vary by location. In smaller communities with up to 350 eligible voters, polling stations may operate only from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Anyone in line before closing time will still be allowed to vote.

Additionally, public transportation will be free on election day for all citizens on Israel Railways and intercity bus lines longer than 15 kilometers. This benefit begins Monday, October 26, at 8:00 PM and continues until the end of public transportation services on election day. Regular urban bus routes will remain subject to fares.