Israel Votes: Polls Open for 26th Knesset Elections

By אפרת ברינר

Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba

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Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Israel is holding elections for the 26th Knesset today, with over 7.3 million eligible voters casting ballots at 12,018 polling stations. Special voting arrangements are available for hospitalized individuals, prisoners, and those with disabilities. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with initial results expected overnight. The 3.25% election threshold is a key factor in determining the Knesset's composition.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Over 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote in the 26th Knesset elections.
Polls opened at 7:00 AM and will close at 10:00 PM across Israel.
Special voting arrangements are provided for hospitalized patients, prisoners, and people with disabilities.
12,018 polling stations are set up nationwide, with additional stations abroad.
The election threshold is 3.25% of valid votes for parties to enter the Knesset.
Voter turnout in Israeli missions abroad reached 86.7%.

Israel Votes: Polls Open for 26th Knesset Elections — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel is holding elections for the 26th Knesset today, with polls opening at 7:00 AM across the country. A total of 7,331,981 eligible voters can cast their ballots at 12,018 polling stations. This represents an increase of over half a million voters since the previous election in November 2022.

Special arrangements are in place to ensure all eligible citizens can vote. This includes designated polling stations in hospitals, prisons, and for individuals with mobility impairments. Additionally, 102 polling stations were set up in Israeli embassies and consulates abroad, where 86.7% of eligible voters participated, a significant increase from the previous election.

Most polling stations will remain open until 10:00 PM, with some exceptions in smaller communities and specific institutions having shorter hours. Voters are required to present valid identification. The article also details the process for hospitalized individuals, prisoners, and those with disabilities to cast their votes, often using double envelopes for ballot counting.

The election threshold, set at 3.25% of valid votes, is highlighted as a critical factor that could determine the final composition of the Knesset. The article also provides context on voter turnout in previous elections, noting a trend of increasing participation. Initial results are expected overnight, with official results due within eight days.