Netanyahu Warns of 'Ugly Tactic' to Disqualify Votes
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a tactic to disqualify votes by adding "בס"ד" to ballots. The Central Elections Committee clarified rules, stating that any extra writing on ballots can invalidate them. Voters must use official ballots or write list details on a blank white ballot with a blue pen. Personal marks or multiple ballots in an envelope can also lead to disqualification.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of a tactic to invalidate votes by writing "בס"ד" on ballots.
- The Central Elections Committee issued guidelines to prevent vote disqualification.
- Adding any extra writing or markings to official ballots can lead to disqualification.
- Voters can write list details on a blank white ballot using a blue pen.
- Personal identifying marks or multiple ballots in an envelope will disqualify a vote.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned the public against a "dirty trick" circulating online that could lead to the disqualification of votes in upcoming elections. He stated that a seemingly innocent recommendation to write "בס"ד" (a Hebrew abbreviation for "with God's help") on a ballot is, in fact, a tactic to invalidate ballots. The Central Elections Committee has issued official guidelines to ensure the integrity of the voting process, clarifying rules to prevent vote disqualification.
The committee emphasized that any additional writing or markings on printed ballots, beyond the list's designation, are prohibited and may lead to disqualification. Voters are instructed to use the official printed ballots as they are. If a desired ballot is unavailable at the polling station, voters can request a blank white ballot. On this blank ballot, they may write the letter(s) of the list or the list's name and nickname using a blue pen. This writing must be in Hebrew, Arabic, or both, with no other additions.
However, a blank white ballot or one with only a list's nickname but not its letters will be considered invalid. Furthermore, adding personal identifying marks to the ballot or inner envelope is strictly forbidden, as any mark that could identify the voter will immediately disqualify the vote. Voters are allowed to place only one ballot into the envelope; multiple ballots from different lists or four or more identical ballots will result in disqualification. Two or three identical ballots for the same list will be counted as a single vote.
In cases of damaged or marked ballots, or a shortage of ballots for a requested list, voters are advised to immediately contact the polling committee at the location.
