Israeli Election Committee Prepares Emergency Protocols for Missile Attacks During Voting

The Central Elections Committee in Israel is preparing for the possibility of missile attacks during the upcoming elections, including both the voting and vote-counting phases. Emergency regulations are expected to be approved to govern polling station operations in case of air raid sirens. According to these guidelines, if a siren sounds during voting, polling will be suspended immediately. The election integrity supervisor will activate a camera, and all voting materials will be sealed in a special emergency envelope, which will be glued shut and kept by the polling station secretary. The supervisor will also secure the locked ballot box during the interruption.

Similar procedures will apply if a siren sounds during the counting of votes. Ballots, envelopes, and counting sheets will be quickly packed using a special counting mat to facilitate rapid collection and preservation of materials until counting can resume. Additionally, soldiers stationed on the front lines will be able to vote using a neck tag device as part of the emergency preparations.

These measures come amid warnings from Shin Bet chief David Zini about potential foreign interference in the election process. The new regulations aim to ensure that voting can continue and election materials remain secure even if missile fire disrupts polling stations or the counting process.