Interior Ministry Announces Strict Rules for Voters Abroad
Israel's Interior Ministry has published regulations for forming voter lists for the 26th Knesset elections, scheduled for October 27, 2026. The ministry warns citizens abroad that lacking a valid resident status in the population registry may deprive them of the right to vote. To be included in the lists, one must have citizenship, be 18 years old, and be registered in the registry. The deadline for filing appeals is August 4, 2026, and for arranging an address is September 2, 2026. The ministry provided contacts for checking data.
Israel's Interior Ministry has published regulations for forming voter lists for the 26th Knesset elections, scheduled for October 27, 2026. The ministry emphasizes the situation of citizens living abroad: lacking a valid resident status in the state population registry may completely deprive them of the ability to vote. To be included in the lists, one must meet three criteria: hold Israeli citizenship at the time of list formation, be 18 years old, and be registered in the registry as a resident of the country. Data can be checked through the digital services of the Interior Ministry and the Central Elections Committee. The mere fact of being abroad does not deprive one of the right to vote, but the legal status is critical. If a citizen has ceased tax residency but retained an address in Israel, the right to vote is preserved. If residency has been revoked and no address exists, the citizen is excluded from the lists, requiring an urgent appeal. Strict deadlines have been set: August 4, 2026, is the deadline for filing appeals, and September 2, 2026, is the final date for arranging an address. Those whose status has been completely revoked are not eligible to participate in the elections. The ministry provided contacts: call center 1-800-101975, WhatsApp 053-380-1464, and a line for citizens abroad *3450. The ministry advises not to delay checking data.