Israeli Election Committee Plans Polling Stations in 159 Nursing Homes Despite Coalition Opposition

The Israeli Central Elections Committee has proposed setting up polling stations in 159 nursing homes across the country for the upcoming elections. This plan was presented to the Supreme Court on Monday as a compromise after a temporary regulation mandating polling stations in nursing homes was canceled due to coalition opposition. The committee initially contacted 290 nursing homes where polling stations were previously established, and the final number includes those that agreed and met the criteria.

Earlier in July, the coalition removed the requirement to place polling stations in non-nursing home assisted living facilities from the election law, despite the committee's request to maintain it to facilitate voting for elderly residents. The opposition, led by the Likud party, was reportedly driven by concerns that such provisions could electorally benefit the Israel Beiteinu party, as many assisted living residents are new immigrants of retirement age.

In response, elderly residents in protected housing filed an urgent petition to the Supreme Court, arguing that removing polling stations could severely hinder or prevent their ability to vote, especially for those reliant on walkers or wheelchairs. During a hearing last week, justices accepted the state's assurance that accessible polling stations would be provided as a substitute but requested a detailed plan within six days. Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit criticized the legislative move, stating it was the first time the Knesset had restricted public voting access. However, Justices Knafi Steinitz and Groskopf questioned the court's authority to intervene in this matter.