Knesset Elections: Who Has the Right to Vote

The Essence

The right to vote in Knesset elections is your fundamental right as an Israeli citizen to participate in the formation of the country's government. Each vote carries equal weight and directly influences the composition of the parliament. This right is granted to all citizens who have reached the age of 18.

Eligibility

To vote in Knesset elections, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You are an Israeli citizen.
• You are 18 years of age or older on election day.
• You are registered in the Israeli Population Registry.
• You are physically present in Israel on election day (with rare exceptions for public officials).

Who is NOT eligible to vote:

• Tourists and temporary residents (even with an A/5 visa).
• Israeli citizens who are abroad on election day (with the exception of diplomats and official emissaries).
• Individuals under the age of 18.

Your Rights

Your citizenship grants you the following rights on election day:

• One Vote: You are entitled to one vote, which you cast for one of the party lists.
• Official Holiday: Knesset election day is an official public holiday for the majority of the working population to ensure the opportunity to vote.
• Secret Ballot: The voting procedure is completely anonymous. No one will know for whom you voted.
• Accessibility: Polling stations must be equipped for people with limited mobility.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Receive Your Notification. Several weeks before the election, you will receive an official "Voter Notification" (הודעה לבוחר) by mail. It will state the address of your polling station (קלפי).
2. Arrive at the Polling Station. On election day, go to the address indicated in your notification. Polling stations are typically open from morning until late evening.
3. Present Identification. Present one of the official identification documents (see list below) to a member of the election committee.
4. Receive an Envelope. After your documents are verified, you will be given a special voting envelope.
5. Make Your Choice. Go behind the voting screen. There you will find stacks of paper ballots (פתקים) with the letter symbols for each party. Take one ballot for the party you wish to vote for.
6. Insert the Ballot into the Envelope. Place your chosen ballot inside the envelope and seal it. Ensure there is only one ballot inside.
7. Cast Your Vote. Exit the voting booth and deposit the sealed envelope into the ballot box (kalpi).

Required Documents

For identification at the polling station, you will need one of the following documents. It is important that the document includes your photograph.

• Identity Card (Teudat Zehut)
• Valid Israeli Passport (Darcon)
• Valid Israeli Driver's License

Note: Bringing the "Voter Notification" (הודעה לבוחר) is helpful but not mandatory. The essential item is your identification document.

Potential Pitfalls

• Voting in Israel Only: You cannot vote at an Israeli embassy or consulate abroad. To participate in the elections, you must be physically present within the country's territory on election day.
• Invalid Ballot: Your vote will be disqualified if the envelope contains more than one ballot, or if the ballot has any marks, drawings, or writing on it.
• Expired Document: Although the law permits the use of an expired Teudat Zehut, it is advisable to bring a valid document to avoid any disputes or delays at the polling station.
• Change of Address: If you have moved but have not updated your address with the Ministry of Interior, your notification and polling station will be assigned to your old address. Update your information in advance.

Contacts and Links

Official information, including checking your polling station address and operating hours, should be sought on the official website of the Israeli Central Elections Committee. Links and hotline numbers are typically published widely in the media closer to the election date.

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