Election Committee approves 159 polling stations in senior facilities, asks High Court to end case

The Central Elections Committee has approved polling stations in 159 retirement homes and assisted-living facilities, seeking to resolve a dispute over voting access for elderly residents. The committee formally asked the High Court of Justice to dismiss three petitions on the matter, arguing that its new arrangement effectively resolves the issue.

This decision means the 159 polling locations are now administratively approved. However, the High Court must still determine whether these petitions have become moot or if any aspect still requires a judicial ruling. The court had been awaiting the results of an internal committee vote on the proposed polling map.

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The petitions had therefore become moot and should be struck from the docket.

The petitions arose after the Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee declined to continue a special voting arrangement used in previous elections, which provided dedicated polling stations within these facilities. During an August 11 hearing, the High Court had sharply criticized the Knesset committee's decision but also questioned its authority to reinstate a system lawmakers chose to abandon.

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit had previously called the Knesset's decision a step backward for voting access, noting the previous system's effectiveness. The committee's professional staff contacted 290 facilities, recommending 159 ordinary polling stations in those that agreed to host them and met requirements, such as providing space at no charge and allowing external voters.

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Knesset’s decision a step backward in voting access and said the previous system had worked well.