Israeli Supreme Court Urges Urgent Action to Provide Accessible Polling Stations in Nursing Homes

The Israeli Supreme Court convened on Tuesday to address petitions concerning the voting rights of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities ahead of the 26th Knesset elections. Led by President Isaac Amit, the justices criticized the Knesset's decision not to legally enshrine the arrangement used in previous elections, which placed polling stations in institutions housing at least 75 residents. The court noted that a similar arrangement was implemented, with some modifications, during the 24th Knesset elections.

The court expressed concern that the Knesset's rejection of the Central Elections Committee's request to formalize this arrangement represents a regression in the voting rights of elderly residents, potentially hindering their democratic participation. To mitigate this risk, the court urged election officials to take immediate measures to ensure polling accessibility for nursing home residents. The state responded that the Central Elections Committee recognizes this goal as essential and is actively working to achieve it.

The Supreme Court emphasized that the success of the current plan heavily depends on the cooperation of nursing home administrators. It expressed hope that these managers will willingly support the important task of facilitating convenient voting access for all residents. The court ordered the Central Elections Committee to submit an update on the matter by Monday, August 17, after which further decisions on the petitions will be made.