Israel Votes: Key Information for Election Day

Israelis are heading to the polls today, Tuesday, for the 26th Knesset elections, with millions eligible to cast their ballots. Preparations are complete across the country, with the Central Elections Committee and the Israel Police ensuring the integrity of the democratic process. A total of 7,331,981 citizens are registered to vote at 12,018 polling stations nationwide, including 6,209 accessible stations, 3,621 of which are specially equipped.

Most polling stations will be open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. However, smaller communities and some special polling stations will have reduced hours, operating from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Voters arriving before closing time and still in line will be permitted to vote. Identification with a valid Israeli ID card, passport, or driver's license is required to vote.

To ensure a valid vote, voters must select one ballot, place it in the envelope, and deposit it in the ballot box. Adding personal marks, drawings, signatures, or writing on the ballot or envelope can invalidate the vote. If a desired party's ballot is missing, a blank white ballot can be used, writing the party's letters or its nickname in Hebrew or Arabic. A blank ballot or one with only the party name without its letters will be disqualified. Two or three identical ballots from the same party in one envelope count as one vote, but four or more identical ballots, or ballots from different parties, will be disqualified.

Over 20,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide to maintain security, prevent disturbances, and ensure orderly voting. Approximately 15,000 cameras will be operated by election supervisors to document irregularities and monitor the counting process while preserving ballot secrecy. Election committee officials and representatives from various factions will be present at each polling station. Vote counting is done manually, with results recorded in official protocols. Discrepancies or suspected irregularities can lead to further checks and recounts.

To facilitate voter turnout, free public transportation is available, including 660 intercity bus routes and all Israel Railways services. Voters are advised to check operating hours and travel arrangements in advance, especially if voting outside their city of residence. Initial election polls are expected from television channels at 10:00 PM upon the closure of most polling stations, but these are statistical estimates. Official results will be determined after the completion of vote counting, verification of double envelopes (used by soldiers and those voting outside their registered station), and the allocation of mandates for the 26th Knesset.