Israel's 26th Knesset Elections: Voting Procedures and Expected Results

Israel's 26th Knesset elections feature 36 competing electoral lists vying for the votes of 7,331,981 eligible voters. A total of 12,018 polling stations are operational nationwide, with most open from 7 AM to 10 PM. Smaller communities, hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes will close their polls at 8 PM. The Central Elections Committee has finalized logistical and administrative preparations, including special arrangements for voter transport and accessibility for those unable to reach their usual polling stations. Vote counting is set to begin immediately after polls close.

Free public transportation is available from Monday evening until the end of polling day for inter-city train and bus routes exceeding 15 kilometers. This exemption does not apply to intra-city bus lines, which will operate under normal fares. Voters can confirm their polling station via the Interior Ministry website using their ID number or check the Central Elections Committee website for station locations and hours. While not mandatory, bringing the polling notice can expedite the process. Valid identification, such as an ID card, driver's license, Israeli passport, or military ID, is sufficient for voting.

Special provisions are in place for various voter groups. 6,208 polling stations are equipped for individuals with disabilities, including 3,620 designated accessible centers allowing voting outside original precincts using special envelopes. Those whose disability is not apparent must sign a declaration. Soldiers can vote at their military bases or registered polling stations, while police officers may vote at any station nationwide. Nursing homes with over 50 residents will have polling stations, and residents with mobility issues unable to vote on-site can use accessible stations. Hospitalized patients can vote at 250 designated stations in medical facilities with at least 50 beds.

Ballot papers must adhere to specific size, color, and printing standards set by the Central Elections Committee to be considered valid. Parties can print their own ballots if they meet these official specifications. Voters are advised to use ballots found behind the voting screen, place only one ballot for their chosen list in the envelope without markings, and avoid writing on them. Submitting multiple identical ballots for the same list will count as a single vote. If a party's ballots run out, a blank ballot can be used with the party's electoral letters or name written in blue ink, as per election law. Blank ballots without writing or those not meeting writing criteria are considered void and will not be counted as valid votes, nor will blank ballots submitted as a form of protest.

Weather forecasts for election day predict a drop in temperatures to seasonal norms with localized rain, particularly in the south and east. Heavier rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are expected from the afternoon in these areas, with a possibility of flash floods in southern Negev, Arava, Jerusalem desert, and the Dead Sea region. Vote counting begins at 10 PM, with results from polling stations being transferred to regional committees for validation and central system entry. Preliminary results are expected throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, but will not include all votes, as the counting of approximately 600,000 to 650,000 "double envelopes", cast by voters outside their usual precincts, will continue. These votes, representing about 15 Knesset seats, could influence the final outcome, potentially shifting seats between lists due to the different demographic makeup of these voters, which includes a significant number of soldiers and security personnel. The Central Elections Committee anticipates completing the vote count by Thursday noon, October 29th. The Knesset law allows eight days for the official results to be published, with November 4th as the final deadline.