Israel Approves 159 Polling Stations in Nursing Homes for Knesset Elections After Supreme Court Petition

The Central Elections Committee in Israel has approved the placement of 159 polling stations in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for the 26th Knesset elections. This decision follows petitions submitted to the Supreme Court by dozens of elderly citizens and organizations advocating for senior rights, including the Association of Elderly Nonprofits and the Marva Association. The petitions challenged the cancellation of a previous arrangement that allowed polling stations in such institutions during the last two election cycles.

The cancellation had left many elderly residents, including those with mobility impairments or dependent on caregivers, unable to vote easily as their designated polling stations were located far from their residences. The petitioners argued that the cancellation occurred despite professional recommendations to continue the arrangement and without a clear professional rationale.

Following the Supreme Court's demand for a swift solution, the Central Elections Committee's approval of the 159 polling stations was communicated to the court, which led the committee to believe the petitions were now moot. However, the solution remains partial, as approximately 100 additional polling stations were not approved due to political considerations. The petitioners expressed both satisfaction with the progress and disappointment over the incomplete resolution, emphasizing that elderly citizens who have contributed greatly to the country should not have to struggle to exercise their fundamental voting rights.

This development marks a significant legal and civic achievement, but advocates continue to push for full accessibility to voting for all elderly citizens in Israel.