Bedridden hospital patients to vote in Knesset elections

Ahead of Tuesday's Knesset elections, the Health Ministry is enabling tens of thousands of patients hospitalized in general, psychiatric, geriatric and rehabilitation hospitals to exercise their right to vote. Polling stations will be set up in every facility with more than 50 licensed beds, in accordance with the law.

The ministry said it views the participation of these patients as a democratic priority. The arrangement allows patients who cannot leave the medical facility to vote where they are hospitalized, without forfeiting their basic right as citizens.

To vote, patients must present identification and a hospitalization certificate, which will be issued by the responsible official at the hospital or geriatric facility. Any questions on election day may be directed to the facility's designated coordinator.

Medical staff who cannot reach the polling station where they are registered may also vote at the polling station in the hospital where they work, according to the law. The arrangement allows medical teams, many of whom work long shifts on election day, to vote without leaving their workplace.

The arrangement applies to general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, geriatric facilities and rehabilitation centers, any institution with more than 50 licensed beds. Polling stations will be placed in accessible locations within the facilities so that patients with mobility limitations can reach them comfortably.