Israeli Election Committee Bans Real-Time Voter Data Sharing, Sparking Likud Outrage

Noam Solberg, chairman of Israel's Central Elections Committee, has prohibited party representatives and observers from transmitting real-time information about voters who have cast ballots using apps like "Elector," which are designed to boost voter turnout. The decision, announced ahead of the upcoming elections, was based on concerns over voter privacy and compliance with privacy protection laws. Solberg clarified that while the use of such apps is not banned, sharing identifying data about voters who have voted, including the time and polling station details, is forbidden without explicit legal authorization.

These voter mobilization apps compile data by cross-referencing national voter rolls with party supporter databases and social media profiles, enabling parties to monitor which supporters have voted and to encourage those who have not yet done so. The ruling primarily impacts large parties with established data systems and official polling station representatives, such as Likud and ultra-Orthodox parties, which receive state funding for their polling station staff. New parties without official representation at polling stations, like Benny Gantz's Israel Resilience Party, are less affected.

The decision has provoked strong criticism from Likud, which argues the ban undermines their voter mobilization efforts. Likud lawyer Ilan Bombach has requested that the ruling not apply to the imminent elections but only to future ones, citing parties' reliance on these practices. Likud has also sought bipartisan legislation to permit voter mobilization activities at polling stations without violating privacy laws, though it remains uncertain if opposition parties will agree.

Previously, data sharing between Netanyahu bloc parties, including Likud and ultra-Orthodox factions, was common practice. Opposition parties also used similar methods in past elections. The ruling thus represents a significant shift in election campaign operations and raises questions about balancing voter privacy with political mobilization strategies.