Israeli Supreme Court Criticizes Knesset Over Lack of Law for Nursing Home Polling Stations

The Israeli Supreme Court sharply criticized the Knesset's decision not to legislate the arrangement allowing polling stations in nursing homes, warning this could hinder elderly citizens from exercising their democratic voting rights. The ruling came on Tuesday from President of the Supreme Court Isaac Amit and Justices Ofer Groskopf and Gila Kanfi-Steinitz, who expressed concern that the Knesset's refusal to enshrine this measure in law represents a regression in voting accessibility for seniors.

This judgment arose from three petitions concerning the voting rights of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Previously, during the 24th and 25th Knesset elections, polling stations were set up in nursing homes housing at least 75 permanent residents, but the arrangement was not legally formalized ahead of the upcoming elections, prompting the petitions.

The court urged election authorities to urgently ensure that nursing home residents can access polling stations. The state responded that the Central Elections Committee prioritizes this issue and is actively working to place polling stations in as many nursing homes as possible, contingent on cooperation from nursing home management. The justices expressed hope that facility administrators will cooperate to enable residents to vote.

The Central Elections Committee must provide the court with an update by Monday, August 17, after which the Supreme Court will decide on further steps regarding the petitions.