Likud Seeks Opposition Support to Legalize Use of 'Elector' Voting App Despite Ban

Two days after Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Solberg banned the use of dedicated apps for transmitting voter identity data from polling stations to parties in real time on election day, the Likud party is pushing to amend legislation to permit the use of the 'Elector' app. The app, crucial for parties to monitor voter turnout and tailor election day campaigns, was deemed by Judge Solberg to violate privacy laws, specifically the Privacy Protection Law, as transmitting information about voters' participation and polling station details constitutes a privacy breach.

Relying on a legal opinion from the State Attorney's Office that election laws override privacy concerns, coalition representatives have approached the current opposition to jointly draft legislation that would legalize the app's use without provoking opposition or criticism. So far, the opposition has not responded or formed an official stance. Meanwhile, Likud is engaged in intense legal and political discussions to overcome the committee's decision before the upcoming elections.

Likud's legal advisor, Attorney Ilan Bombach, formally requested Judge Solberg to reconsider his ruling, arguing that voter privacy and ballot secrecy have been preserved under the longstanding practice of using the app. Bombach emphasized that no one knows how an individual voted and that voters can submit a blank ballot, which is indistinguishable from abstention. He urged that the decision be overturned or at least delayed for the 26th Knesset elections.

Judge Solberg's ruling prohibits committee members and party observers at polling stations from reporting voter identities to their parties during election day via specialized apps. This decision significantly impacts parties like Likud, which have historically used real-time data to mobilize voters in low-turnout areas through targeted campaigns involving municipal leaders and social media. The ruling clarifies that without explicit legal authorization, transmitting such information for party activities is forbidden, marking a major shift in election day operations.