Voting Irregularities Reported Across Israel on Election Day
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
During the 26th Knesset elections on Tuesday, Israeli parties reported widespread issues including alleged ballot tampering, shortages of voting slips, and deliberate delays at polling stations across the country. Incidents included torn ballots, a lack of Arabic voting slips in several locations, and a reported assault on an activist in Tiberias. Authorities were called to address slowdowns in Kiryat Ye'arim, and election monitoring groups are collecting and investigating reports.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Parties reported ballot damage, shortages, and delays at polling stations nationwide on election day.
- The Religious Zionism party claimed ballots were intentionally torn, risking disqualification.
- The Yishai! party alleged ballot theft and deliberate obstruction of access to polling stations.
- The Adalah Center reported a shortage of Arabic voting slips, impacting accessibility.
- Police and election supervisors intervened in Kiryat Ye'arim due to alleged intentional voting slowdowns.
- An activist from the "Together" party was reportedly assaulted in Tiberias.
On Tuesday, during the 26th Knesset elections, various parties and organizations reported suspicions of ballot tampering, shortages of voting slips, and delays at polling stations nationwide. In Kiryat Ye'arim, police and election committee supervisors were called to the scene following complaints of deliberate slowdowns in the voting process. In Tiberias, a complaint was filed regarding an assault on an activist from the "Together" party.
The Religious Zionism party stated that its election day headquarters received numerous reports of small, allegedly intentional tears on the edges of their party's ballots and those of the Likud party at several polling stations. The party expressed concern that this damage could lead to the disqualification of ballots and urged the election committee to instruct supervisors to frequently check ballot integrity.
The Yishai! party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, also claimed to have received reports of damage to, theft of, and removal of "Derech" party ballots from polling stations. The party further noted long queues at polling stations identified with its supporters, raising concerns about deliberate obstruction of access. They announced plans to file a formal complaint with the election committee and advised supporters to remain patient and report irregularities.
The Adalah Center urgently contacted the Central Election Committee chairman due to reports from voters and observers about a shortage of Arabic voting slips in various locations, including Haifa, Nazareth, and other towns. Adalah demanded the immediate provision of Arabic ballots and clear instructions for polling station committees, arguing that the shortage hinders voting accessibility for Arabic speakers.
In Kiryat Ye'arim, the head of the local council, Yitzhak Reuven, reportedly arrived at a polling station with an observer's certificate amid complaints of intentional delays caused by unnecessary questions from poll clerks. Police and election supervisors were subsequently dispatched, and poll clerks were warned they would be replaced if the voting process did not proceed at a reasonable pace.
In Tiberias, an incident of violence against a "Together" party activist was reported, with footage allegedly showing an individual tearing down party signs, pushing, and threatening the activist. A police complaint was filed following this event. Meanwhile, the Movement for Quality of Government announced its election integrity hotline is centralizing public and observer reports, verifying information, and referring cases for legal action as needed. The movement's chairman, Adv. Dr. Eliad Shraga, emphasized that the same rules apply to everyone.
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