Israel weighs extended voting hours, additional polling day amid security concerns

With elections for the 26th Knesset exactly two weeks away, Israel’s Central Elections Committee and police are preparing for potential security emergencies on election day. Sources told i24NEWS the committee is considering extending voting hours or, if necessary, holding an additional day of voting should a security incident disrupt the election. Regional election committees have already been instructed to coordinate with those responsible for polling station buildings to ensure that protected spaces are available, directions are clearly marked and emergency instructions can be communicated to voters. Israeli opposition prepares for heated election campaign Police are also preparing for the possibility of holding elections during wartime. At least one exercise testing that scenario took place earlier this week. The Central Elections Committee said it is preparing for all scenarios, including emergencies, to ensure the election is conducted in accordance with the law. Given the security situation on the home front, it said it is required to map protected spaces and review security measures at polling locations. Suggested articles From loss to leadership: October 7 families who entered Israel’s election race | Danna Avni Blank ballots deadlock Hamas Gaza leadership election | Yuval Barnea Israel’s election panel bars Ra’am and Joint List; Supreme Court fight looms | Danna Avni