High Court criticizes Knesset retreat on nursing home polling stations

Israel's High Court of Justice sharply criticized the Knesset on Tuesday for its failure to provide dedicated polling stations in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities for the upcoming election. Supreme Court President Isaac Amit lamented the Knesset's decision to move backward on voter accessibility, stating that the system used in the previous two elections had "worked perfectly."

The court heard three petitions challenging the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee's decision not to advance legislation that would allow special polling stations in these facilities. Such stations were operated during the COVID-19 pandemic under temporary legislation and were recommended for continuation by the Central Elections Committee. However, the Knesset committee declined to advance the proposal, leaving many elderly residents reliant on standard polling arrangements, which can be challenging for those with limited mobility.

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worked perfectly

Petitioners, including nursing home residents and organizations representing older Israelis, argued that the Knesset's decision violates the constitutional right to vote and the principle of equality. Attorney Yuval Yoaz, representing one group, questioned whether the state had done enough to ensure the right to vote could be exercised. The petitioners proposed either the court temporarily apply the previous arrangement or interpret the Central Elections Committee's existing powers broadly to establish such stations. The court, however, did not issue a ruling at the end of the hearing.

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This is the first time the Knesset is going backward instead of expanding