For 13 years he fought to vote in secret - now the High Court has ruled

Moshe Friedman, blind from birth, petitioned the High Court of Justice against the Central Elections Committee, demanding the right to vote independently and secretly for people with blindness and visual impairments. The High Court rejected the petition, ruling that existing alternatives such as a voting assistance app or bringing a pre-prepared ballot are sufficient, and that the committee will continue to explore further solutions.

Moshe Friedman, blind from birth, waged a 13-year legal battle against the Central Elections Committee, demanding the right for himself and others with blindness and visual impairments to vote in secret without an escort. In June 2026, ahead of the elections for the 26th Knesset, Friedman again approached the committee, requesting the installation of adapted voting stations with Braille stencils. The committee rejected the request, citing practical and legal difficulties, including concerns about ballot displacement. Friedman petitioned the High Court of Justice, but Justice Ruth Ronen dismissed the petition. The ruling stated that reasonable alternatives exist: using an app that helps identify the ballot (subject to maintaining voting secrecy), or bringing a pre-prepared standard ballot. The committee committed to continuing to examine additional solutions after the election period. The decision reflects a balance between the voting rights of people with disabilities and the practical constraints of the electoral system.