How the seats are divided, when the results come in - and the surge in double envelopes | The complete guide
ynet publishes a comprehensive guide to the 2026 elections, detailing the vote counting process, prevention of fraud, and the significance of the expected surge in double envelopes. The article explains the method for allocating seats, the expected electoral threshold, and the timeline until the government is sworn in.
ynet publishes a comprehensive guide to the 2026 elections, detailing the logistical and legal process from the closing of polling stations to the swearing-in of the government. On Tuesday, October 27, 7,331,981 eligible voters will be able to cast their ballots at one of 12,018 polling stations. The polls will close at 10:00 PM, after which the vote counting operation, managed by the Central Elections Committee, will begin. The guide explains how fraud is prevented through election integrity supervisors and party representatives, and describes the process of counting double envelopes - an expected surge of about 44% to approximately 650,000 envelopes, representing about 15 seats. The article details the method for allocating seats, including the Bader-Ofer formula for distributing surplus votes, and estimates that the electoral threshold will stand at about 165,635 votes assuming a 70% turnout. The official results will be published by November 4, and the Knesset will be sworn in on November 10. President Herzog said he will do everything in his power to prevent repeat elections.