Israeli Supreme Court Criticizes Knesset for Removing Polling Stations from Nursing Homes

On August 11, 2026, the Israeli Supreme Court (High Court of Justice) reviewed petitions against a new Knesset law that removes the option to set up polling stations in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior housing complexes. The law, approved in a first reading by the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in July, sparked controversy for excluding elderly citizens from convenient voting access.

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit sharply criticized the Knesset's decision, stating it was the first time the legislature had regressed on voting accessibility. He lamented that while other special voting provisions remain, such as for seafarers, the elderly were effectively sidelined. Amit praised the previous arrangement, which mandated polling stations in any institution housing at least 75 residents, calling it effective and expressing regret that it was not maintained.

During the court hearings, it emerged that only about half of nursing homes and senior housing facilities had independently arranged polling stations without a legal requirement. This disparity could result in wealthier institutions providing voting access while tens of thousands of elderly residents elsewhere might lack suitable polling options on election day.

The law also included other contentious changes, such as modifications to address updates before elections, voting rights for female service members, and fees for family member registration. The legislative process was marked by heated debate, opposition boycotts, and an unusual extension of committee discussions to complete the vote.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over voting accessibility for vulnerable populations ahead of the 2026 elections, with critics accusing the coalition of neglecting the elderly's electoral rights.