The Battle for the Elderly Vote: High Court Hears Petition to Open Polling Stations in Nursing Homes

The High Court of Justice is hearing petitions demanding that polling stations be opened in nursing homes for the elections to the 26th Knesset. The petitioners include 56 elderly citizens, the Association of Organizations for the Elderly, and the Marva Association. Supreme Court President Amit said the previous arrangement worked excellently in the last elections. Attorney Yoaz emphasized the need for a practical solution to realize the right to vote.

The High Court of Justice heard petitions today (Tuesday) demanding that polling stations be opened for the elderly in nursing homes on election day for the 26th Knesset. The first petition was filed by 56 elderly citizens residing in a nursing home, against the Knesset, the Central Elections Committee, and the Attorney General. Another petition was filed by the Association of Organizations for the Elderly in Israel and the Marva Association. Attorney Yuval Yoaz, representing the petitioners, said that everyone agrees that senior citizens should vote, and their right must be ensured. He stressed that the discussion should be practical and urgent, and that a path must be paved to ensure that the right to vote does not remain a ceremonial declaration. Supreme Court President Justice Yitzhak Amit said that the previous arrangement worked excellently in the last elections, as he said as the previous chairman of the Elections Committee. The petitioners are seeking a conditional order requiring the Knesset representatives, the government, and the Elections Committee to explain why it should not be determined that the decision of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee to remove the chapter dealing with the placement of polling stations in nursing homes harmed their right to vote. They also seek to incorporate into the law the temporary provision that was set in the previous elections law.