159 polling stations in nursing homes: a move that could impact the elections

The state is updating the Supreme Court today, Monday, regarding the possibility of placing polling stations in nursing homes. According to the latest report, the professional staff at the Central Elections Committee recommends establishing 159 polling stations in nursing homes for the upcoming Knesset elections. These will serve as regular regional polling stations, allowing both the elderly residents and the general public registered in the area to cast their ballots. To date, 127 of these locations have been confirmed to meet the necessary requirements.

It should be recalled that dozens of senior citizens residing in nursing homes filed a petition against the Knesset, the Central Elections Committee, and the Attorney General. The petitioners argued that the decision by the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, chaired by MK Simcha Rothman, to remove the provision regulating polling stations in nursing homes from election law infringed upon their constitutional right to vote. During the hearings, they expressed concern that many elderly individuals whose assigned polling stations are located far from their facilities would be unable to vote due to their physical condition.

Following a recent review of these petitions, the Supreme Court requested an update from the state on its efforts to find a solution. The judges ruled that an additional report must be submitted before they reach a final decision on the petitions.

According to Adv. Avi Milikovsky of the Supreme Court Department at the State Attorney's Office: "The professional staff at the Central Elections Committee examined the feasibility of placing polling stations in all nursing home facilities used in previous elections or brought to the committee's attention. The recommendation regarding the sites verified before the deadline was forwarded to the Central Elections Committee plenum for approval on August 16, 2026. A response is expected by tomorrow, 70 days before the elections, which is the deadline for finalizing polling station locations."

He added: "Out of 290 nursing homes contacted, the committee recommended 159 locations that agreed to the preliminary conditions, including providing space free of charge and allowing entry for voters residing outside the facilities. Of these, 127 locations were verified as meeting accessibility requirements. If approved by the plenum, voting for individuals with limited mobility will also be possible at these sites."

It was further noted: "Regarding the remaining nursing homes, accessibility assessments are still ongoing. They may be determined as accessible at a later stage if approved. It must be clarified that the professional staff's recommendations are subject to the final decision of the Central Elections Committee plenum."