Elderly Residents Petition Israeli Supreme Court to Reinstate Polling Stations in Nursing Homes

Over 50 elderly residents living in nursing homes across Israel have filed an urgent petition to the Supreme Court against the coalition's decision to remove provisions for special polling stations in nursing homes from the upcoming election law. This change would prevent many elderly citizens, including those with mobility challenges, from voting in the 26th Knesset elections. The petitioners emphasize that they are not seeking special privileges but demand the continuation of an accessible voting mechanism that was in place during the last two elections.

The Central Elections Committee had recommended maintaining the arrangement for polling stations in nursing homes, but the relevant section was omitted late in the legislative process. Many elderly residents rely on walkers, wheelchairs, or assistance from staff and cannot physically reach their assigned polling stations, which are often far from their actual residences.

Yona Feld, 86, a petitioner residing in a nursing home, criticized the decision as a cruel exclusion of citizens who have contributed significantly to Israel. She expressed frustration over the removal of accessible polling stations, suggesting political motives behind the move, and highlighted the physical difficulties residents face in reaching distant polling sites.

Another petitioner, Dana Avidar, 87, also condemned the decision, calling it a disturbing political trend aimed at preventing elderly and Russian-speaking citizens from voting. She pointed out the physical barriers in Jerusalem polling locations and questioned the legality of the law, contrasting the voting rights of prisoners with those of elderly citizens. Both petitioners called for the court to issue a conditional order to reinstate polling stations in nursing homes for the upcoming elections to preserve the dignity and democratic rights of elderly voters.