Election Committee Clarifies Rules on Invalidating Ballots
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The Central Elections Committee, led by Judge Noam Sohlberg, has instructed polling stations to validate ballots with minor defects if the voter's choice is clear. Ballots that could identify the voter will be disqualified, but if a second identical ballot is found, both will be counted. This directive addresses reports of ballot tampering and aims to ensure voter intent is prioritized.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ballots with minor defects will be counted if the voter's choice is clear, per new election committee rules.
- Ballots that could identify the voter will be disqualified unless a second identical ballot is found.
- The directive aims to validate voter intent and address reports of ballot tampering.
- Judge Noam Sohlberg heads the Central Elections Committee issuing the clarification.
- The clarification follows reports of missing, hidden, or defaced ballots nationwide.
The Central Elections Committee, headed by Judge Noam Sohlberg, issued a directive to polling stations on Tuesday evening, clarifying the criteria for ballot validity. The directive states that a ballot with a defect will not be automatically disqualified if the voter's chosen party can still be clearly identified. Minor holes, dirt, or scribbles not made by the voter, as well as printing errors, will not necessitate disqualification. Slight differences between a ballot and the approved sample will also not lead to disqualification, provided the intended list is identifiable. However, ballots that could identify the voter will be considered invalid. If a potentially identifying ballot is found, it must be preserved until the count is complete. If a second, identical ballot is discovered, both will be counted as valid. If only one such ballot is found, it will be disqualified due to the possibility of identifying the voter. All decisions will be documented. "The rule is to allow the voter's voice to be included in the results, and only if it cannot be validated should it be disqualified," the directive reads. This clarification comes amid reports of missing, hidden, or defaced ballots at polling stations nationwide during election day, including incidents involving ballots for the reservists' party, "HaKolkalit," and "Yashar," and footage from Bat Yam showing Yisrael Beiteinu ballots hidden behind those of the "Am Israel" party. While markings and writings on ballots can lead to disqualification, the new directive specifies circumstances under which a flawed ballot can still be deemed valid.
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