"They left the elderly behind": High Court's harsh criticism of the Knesset

The High Court of Justice heard petitions today against the cancellation of the temporary order requiring polling stations in nursing homes. Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit harshly criticized: "The Knesset left the elderly behind," and said this is the first time the Knesset is moving backward. The petitioners claim harm to the right to vote and equality, while the Knesset and the Election Committee seek to dismiss the petitions. An agreement was reached with only half of the nursing homes, and tens of thousands of elderly may be left without access to polling stations.

This morning (Tuesday), the High Court of Justice heard petitions filed against the cancellation of the temporary order that required polling stations to be placed in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior housing complexes. Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit harshly criticized the Knesset's decision, saying: "The Knesset left the elderly behind, and the chapter of the sailors still exists." Amit emphasized that this is the first time the Knesset is moving backward instead of expanding voting rights, and praised the previous arrangement that worked excellently in previous elections, citing his experience as chairman of the Central Elections Committee. The petitioners argue that the cancellation harms the constitutional right to vote, the right to dignity, and the principle of equality, and ask the court to order the placement of polling stations as before. On the other hand, the Knesset, the Central Elections Committee, and the government believe the petitions should be dismissed, claiming there is no place for the court to determine a new legislative arrangement. During the hearing, it emerged that so far an agreement has been reached with only half of the nursing homes, which could leave tens of thousands of elderly without adapted access to polling stations on election day. The cancellation of the temporary order was approved by the Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee in July after stormy debates, during which the opposition boycotted the vote. The decision includes changes to additional sections, including changing an address before elections and voting by female national service volunteers.