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IDF Deploys Over 800 Polling Stations for Soldiers' Early Voting
The IDF is preparing an unprecedented operation to facilitate voting for the 26th Knesset elections, setting up approximately 850 polling stations across all sectors. This represents an increase from the 709 stations used in the previous election, reflecting troop growth and expanded operational demands. Early voting for military personnel will begin on October 20 and run for seven days, concluding on the general election day, October 27.
9 newsrooms · 2 languages · sinceWhat happened
- 01The IDF will establish approximately 850 polling stations, including mobile units, for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections.
- 02Early voting for military personnel will begin on October 20 and run for seven days until election day on October 27.
- 03For the first time, soldiers will be able to vote while crossing borders and serving in active operational zones in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.
- 04Approximately 25% of the polling stations will be mobile units secured by armed personnel during transit between military units.
- 05Colonel Vered Ben Yehuda is overseeing the military election operation, which involves training 3,000 soldiers to run the polling stations.
- 06The IDF expects to match or exceed the 73% voter turnout rate recorded among service members in the previous election.
- 07The military will enforce a ban on political expressions and discourse within its ranks to maintain strict neutrality during the elections.
For the first time, soldiers will be able to cast their ballots while crossing international borders and serving in active operational zones outside Israel, including Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, as well as at sea and on missions abroad. The military is deploying both stationary and mobile polling stations to reach remote outposts. Mobile units will travel between forces according to a predetermined schedule, secured by an armed officer or non-commissioned officer, with ballot boxes remaining locked during transit.
Colonel Vered Ben Yehuda is overseeing the election operation as the IDF Elections Officer. Approximately 3,000 soldiers have been trained to serve on polling committees, and voting will utilize double envelopes to verify eligibility and prevent duplicate voting. The IDF, which expects to meet or exceed the 73% voter turnout recorded in the previous election, has emphasized its commitment to maintaining strict political neutrality and keeping the military out of political discourse during the election period.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 8 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Israel National News. Read Israel National News’s originalThe coverage
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