Election Officials Detail Plan for Counting Crucial 'Double Envelope' Ballots

Israel's Central Elections Committee has provided an update on the counting process for "double envelopes" in the 26th Knesset elections. These envelopes, containing ballots from soldiers, security personnel, and evacuees who voted outside their registered place of residence, are estimated to number between 430,000 and 480,000. This figure is an estimate and subject to change as data collection continues.

In the previous election in 2022, over 460,000 individuals cast their votes using this method. This year, due to the ongoing war, reserve duty, and the displacement of citizens, initial estimates had projected a higher number, between 600,000 and 650,000 voters.

The process involves separating the inner ballot envelopes from the outer ones and mixing them to ensure voter anonymity. The ballots are then transferred to the counting facility at the Knesset parking lot. The counting of these ballots is expected to commence around 1:00 AM on Thursday, with final results anticipated by Thursday evening.

These "double envelope" votes can significantly impact the distribution of Knesset seats and alter the balance of power between parties, as past elections have shown. The Central Elections Committee website will provide ongoing updates throughout the night. Following the completion of the count, a statement to the press is planned.

Currently, preliminary results show a tie between the two ultra-Orthodox parties, United Torah Judaism leading Shas by approximately 18,600 votes, with each holding 7 mandates. There are concerns within the Shas party headquarters that they might lose a mandate during the double envelope count, potentially reducing their representation to 6 seats.