Israeli Supreme Court Orders Accessible Polling Stations Instead of Nursing Home Ballot Boxes

The Israeli Supreme Court accepted the state's declaration to establish accessible polling stations for the upcoming Knesset elections, replacing ballot boxes previously set up inside nursing homes. However, the court requested an updated report detailing the number of accessible polling stations and how effectively they will serve elderly voters. This ruling followed a hearing on three petitions challenging the Knesset's decision not to advance a plan for special polling stations within nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

During the hearing, Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit criticized the Knesset, stating it was the first time the legislature had restricted the public's ability to vote. Meanwhile, Justices Knafi Steinitz and Ofer Groskopf questioned the court's authority to intervene in this matter. The court's decision reflects ongoing tensions between ensuring voter accessibility for seniors and legislative discretion over election arrangements.