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

On August 11, 2026, the Israeli Supreme Court heard petitions challenging 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 legislation, noting it is the first time the Knesset has regressed on voting accessibility. He lamented that while other groups, such as seafarers, retain special voting provisions, elderly voters have been sidelined. Amit praised the previous arrangement, which mandated polling stations in any facility housing at least 75 residents, calling it effective and expressing regret that it was not maintained.

During the court session, it emerged that only about half of nursing homes and senior residences have independently agreed to host polling stations without a legal requirement. This raises concerns that wealthier facilities will provide voting access, while tens of thousands of elderly citizens in other homes may face barriers on election day.

The law also included other contentious changes, such as rules on address changes before elections, voting for female service members, and registration fees for relatives. The legislative process was tumultuous, with opposition members boycotting the vote and the committee extending its session unusually to finalize the law.

The Supreme Court's review highlights ongoing tensions over voting rights for vulnerable populations ahead of the 2026 elections, with critics accusing the coalition of attempting to limit elderly voter participation.