Full Breakdown
Israeli High Court Criticizes Knesset Over Lack of Dedicated Polling Stations for Elderly Voters
8/12/2026, 2:07:28 AM
Court Criticizes Knesset’s Decision
On Tuesday, the High Court of Justice, led by Chief Justice Isaac Amit, sharply rebuked the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for refusing to reinstate dedicated polling stations in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities for the upcoming election. The justices did not issue a ruling at the close of the hearing.
Legal Background and Proposed Remedies
During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary legislation allowed special stations inside such facilities. The Central Elections Committee later recommended making the arrangement permanent, but the Knesset committee declined after failing to secure broad support. Petitioners, represented by attorney Yuval Yoaz, asked the court either to temporarily apply the previous statutory arrangement or to interpret the Committee’s existing powers broadly enough to require suitable polling stations under current law. The court questioned whether such orders would overstep its role, with Justice Ofer Grosskopf noting that “we cannot replace the Knesset,” and Justice Gila Canfy-Steinitz emphasizing that the earlier rules were temporary and would need new legislation to be reinstated.
Official Positions
Attorney Yitzhak Bart, speaking for the Knesset, argued that the pandemic-era measures were justified only while restrictions limited movement, and that the legislature should decide any new arrangement. The State Attorney’s Office, via attorney Yonatan Berman, reported that the Central Elections Committee had contacted roughly 290 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities about placing regular regional stations on their premises. Where feasible, these stations would be designated accessible, using double-envelope ballots for voters with limited mobility.
Facility Participation Data
To date, 65 institutions have agreed to host a regional station, while 56 have objected, citing concerns about admitting voters from outside the facility and maintaining operations through vote counting. The Committee expects about 3,500 accessible polling stations to operate nationwide for the election.
Upcoming Decision
The Central Elections Committee has not yet formally approved the placement of the stations. Its decision is expected by August 18, the statutory deadline 70 days before the election. The court has asked the Committee to continue exploring options, including identifying facilities that have refused so that residents and advocacy groups can pursue further action.
