Ballot boxes in nursing homes: Central Elections Committee approved placement - all the details

The Central Elections Committee approved on Tuesday evening the placement of 159 ballot boxes in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for the 26th Knesset elections, following petitions to the High Court of Justice. The coalition did not pass an arrangement as it did in the last two election cycles, and the committee found a source of authority in existing law. The petitioners welcomed the achievement but noted that about 100 additional ballot boxes will not be placed due to political considerations.

The Central Elections Committee approved on Tuesday evening the placement of 159 ballot boxes in nursing homes and assisted living facilities ahead of the elections for the 26th Knesset. The decision came following petitions filed with the High Court of Justice by dozens of elderly citizens, the Association of Organizations for the Elderly, and the Marva association, demanding that seniors be allowed to vote close to their place of residence. The committee informed the High Court that following the approval, it believes the petitions have become moot. The petitions were filed after the coalition failed to pass an arrangement that allowed placing ballot boxes in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the last two election cycles, partly due to COVID-19 constraints. This meant many residents, including elderly people in wheelchairs or dependent on caregivers, could not reach the polling station where they were registered. The committee found a source of authority in existing law to place the ballot boxes. The petitioners stated this is an important achievement, but noted it is regrettable that about 100 additional ballot boxes will not be placed due to political considerations. Attorney Yuval Yoaz, representing the elderly, said the partial solution is insufficient and reflects a real harm to tens of thousands of elderly citizens.