In Israel’s national elections, you vote for a political party’s list of candidates for the Knesset – הכנסת – the Israeli parliament. You do not vote directly for the prime minister or for an individual local representative. Israel operates as one national electoral district, with Knesset seats allocated proportionally among qualifying party lists.
The election for the 26th Knesset is scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
An Oleh Chadash – עולה חדש – new immigrant may vote if they:
Are an Israeli citizen
Will be at least 18 years old on Election Day
Are registered as an Israeli citizen resident, with an address, in the Population Registry
Appear in the Pinkas Habochrim – פנקס הבוחרים – Voters Registry for that election
Having a Te’udat Zehut – תעודת זהות – Israeli identity card does not by itself guarantee that your name appears in the Voters Registry. This may be particularly important if you completed Aliyah or updated your address close to the registry cutoff date.
Before Election Day, check:
Whether your registered address is correct
The number and address of your assigned Kalpi – קלפי – polling station
Whether your polling station is accessible, if needed
The Misrad HaKlita - משרד הקליטה - Ministry of Interior also sends a voter notice to the address listed in the Population Registry. The notice includes your polling-station number, address and voter details.
You normally must vote at the specific polling station where your name appears. Please note that if you have recently moved but have not yet updated your address in the government system, you will only be able to vote according to your last recognized address. The voter notice is helpful, but you do not need to present it in order to vote.
Bring one approved Israeli identification document containing your photograph, such as:
An Israeli identity card
A valid Israeli passport
A valid Israeli driving licence
A valid military identification card, where applicable
Bring the original identification document, not only a photocopy or photograph stored on your phone.
Go to your assigned polling station during its opening hours.
Present your identification document to the polling-station staff.
After your name is located in the Voters Registry, you will receive an official voting envelope.
Enter the voting booth alone.
Select one ballot slip displaying the identifying letters and name of the party list you support. Check to make sure that only one slip goes into the envelope, otherwise the ballot will be disqualified.
Place the ballot slip inside the official envelope.
Close or fold the envelope so that the ballot slip cannot be seen.
Leave the booth and place the envelope in the ballot box.
Do not put ballot slips for different party lists in the same envelope. Voting is secret, and you do not have to tell anyone how you voted.
Most polling stations normally open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Polling stations in certain small communities and special institutions may have shorter hours
One can check the Central Elections Committee’s official page for the 26th Knesset election shortly before Election Day for final opening hours and instructions.
Specially accessible polling stations are available for voters with mobility limitations. Special voting arrangements may also apply to certain hospital patients, soldiers, prisoners, diplomatic personnel abroad, and other groups specified by law.
These are exceptions to the general rule requiring you to vote at your assigned polling station. Check the election-specific rules before going to a different or specially accessible polling station.
Make sure your address in the Population Registry is current.
If you recently completed Aliyah or changed your address, check whether the update was made before the registry cutoff.
Do not rely only on the notice sent by post; check your polling station online.
Bring an approved original identification document containing your photograph.
Remember that you vote for one party list—not directly for the prime minister.
Paid Day Off: Election Day is a national day of rest (שבתון), meaning workers get the day off without it being deducted from their vacation balance.
Eligibility for Pay: Private sector employees who have worked for their employer for at least 14 consecutive days prior to Election Day receive their regular full daily salary, even though they do not work.
No Forced Work: Non-essential private businesses/organizations cannot force their employees to work on Election Day.
Compensation for Working: Employees in non-essential sectors who do agree to work are entitled to 200% of their average daily wage or their regular wage plus one bonus vacation hour for every hour worked.
Public Services: Essential public services operate normally, but employers must give workers enough time during the day to go vote. The Central Election Committee designates specific essential public services that must operate normally on Election Day. While the standard law states that non-essential workers who choose to work get 200% pay, public service sectors often operate under specific collective labor agreements or ministry guidelines regarding holiday compensation.
Election Operations & Politics: Central Election Committee employees, regional polling staff, and temporary campaign/party workers.
Transportation & Energy: Public transit services, parking lots, gas stations, water and electricity plants, and fuel supply/distribution.
Emergency & Security: Security forces (IDF/Police) and emergency rescue services.
Hospitality & Dining: Restaurants, cafes, kiosks, hotels, and inns.
Media & Telecom: Communication services, press, radio, and television.
Food Supply (Limited Hours): Bakeries and dairy production plants; delivery of bread, fruit, vegetables, and dairy (permitted until 11:00 AM); grocery stores and food shops (permitted from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM only).
Entertainment: Theaters, cinemas, and other recreational venues.
Health & Burial: Essential medical/hospital services and burial services.
This information has been checked against official Israeli government sources in September 2026.
Election procedures and special arrangements can change. Check the Central Elections Committee’s current instructions before Election Day.