Israeli Election Committee Clarifies Rules on Valid Ballots

As election day for the 26th Knesset approaches, the Central Election Committee has issued clarifications regarding the validity of ballots, addressing misinformation circulating on social media. The committee emphasized that voters should rely on official guidelines, as some online information is inaccurate.

A key clarification concerns markings on ballots. Voters must use printed ballots that match pre-approved templates. Adding words, greetings, signatures, drawings, dots, or other marks to a ballot can lead to its disqualification. Damage such as dirt or holes may also invalidate a vote. Any mark that could identify the voter on the ballot or envelope will result in the vote being voided.

If a desired party's ballot is missing from a polling station, voters can request a blank white ballot from the polling station secretary. They must then write the party's designated letters in blue ink, optionally adding its official nickname. This writing can be in Hebrew, Arabic, or both, but no other details are permitted. A blank white ballot without any writing, or one with only the party's name but not its letters, will be disqualified. To be counted, the ballot must bear the letters of an approved candidate list.

Regarding the number of ballots in an envelope, only one ballot should be inserted. However, if two or three identical ballots are found, the vote will be counted as one. Envelopes containing ballots from different parties, or four or more ballots, will be disqualified. If a ballot displays a nickname different from the approved one, the vote will still be counted based on the correct letters of an approved candidate list.

Additionally, no objects or extra items should be placed in the ballot envelope alongside the ballot. An envelope containing anything other than ballots will be disqualified. The committee urges voters not to use marked, dirty, holed, or torn ballots, but to request a proper one from the polling station secretary. They also cautioned against relying on broad claims that any flaw automatically invalidates a ballot, noting that final decisions are made during vote counting according to law and committee guidelines. Decisions to disqualify votes are documented. The committee implores the public to verify information with official sources before sharing, especially on election day, to prevent misleading voters.