Polls opened across Israel Tuesday morning for the 26th Knesset elections, with the Central Elections Committee highlighting months of preparation and urging the public to exercise their democratic right to vote.
2+“This day is the result of many long months of hard work,” said the acting director-general of the Central Elections Committee as polls opened. “Thousands of Central Elections Committee employees worked so that every voter can exercise their right today to influence their future, easily and without fear.”
He emphasized the significance of election day for young voters casting their first ballots and shaping the composition of the next Knesset: “This is a celebration of Israeli democracy, and approximately 330,000 young people will take part in it today for the first time.”
2+The committee stressed that behind every ballot stands the voter’s personal decision, and that polling station staff are responsible for ensuring the process runs freely, secretly, and under supervision. “This day belongs to the voters. Behind every ballot stands a personal, free, and secret choice, and together the votes will shape the next Knesset,” the committee said.
The Central Elections Committee also issued a warning against spreading false information on social media during election day. Officials are concerned about rumors, misleading posts, and the circulation of photos and videos without context that could confuse the public. “Alongside the right to make our voices heard, we all have a responsibility for the information we pass along,” the committee emphasized, calling on citizens to verify sources before sharing and to rely on official announcements. The committee also asked the public to treat voters and polling station workers with respect and patience as they work throughout the day to enable the election process.
2+According to Central Elections Committee data, 7,331,981 eligible citizens can vote today for the 26th Knesset. A network of 12,018 regular polling stations is operating across the country to enable voting. Most polling stations opened this morning at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 10:00 p.m. At polling stations with shortened voting hours, voting is available between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Voters are asked to verify in advance the location of their assigned polling station and to bring appropriate identification. There is no requirement to bring the voter notification sent by mail, but a valid ID must be presented in accordance with Central Elections Committee guidelines.