159 polling stations on the way to nursing homes: the move that could change the elections

The state is considering placing 159 polling stations in nursing homes for the upcoming elections, following a petition by elderly citizens to the High Court of Justice. Of these, 127 were found accessible. The recommendation is subject to approval by the Central Elections Committee plenum.

Following a petition by elderly citizens to the High Court of Justice, the state is considering placing 159 polling stations in nursing homes for the upcoming elections, to allow residents to vote on-site. This emerges from a response the state submitted to the High Court, after the justices discussed the petitions and requested updates on efforts to advance a solution. Out of 290 nursing homes approached by the committee, professional bodies recommended placing polling stations in 159 institutions that agreed to the conditions, including providing a polling place free of charge and allowing entry to voters from outside the nursing home. Of these, 127 polling stations were inspected and found to meet accessibility requirements, and if approved by the Central Elections Committee plenum, voting will also be possible for voters with limited mobility. For the remaining nursing homes, the accessibility review has not yet been completed, and the recommendation is subject to the plenum members' decision. The High Court ruled that a further update must be submitted soon, before it rules on the petitions.