Voting in Israel’s 26th Knesset elections officially began Thursday, nearly two weeks before Israelis head to the polls, as thousands of eligible Israeli diplomats, government representatives, and their families stationed overseas began casting their ballots at embassies and consulates around the world.

Approximately 4,800 Israelis are eligible to participate in the early overseas voting process, which is being conducted at 101 polling stations located in 99 Israeli diplomatic missions. The operation, coordinated by the Central Elections Committee and the Foreign Ministry, will extend across numerous time zones over approximately 30 consecutive hours.

The first polling station opened in Wellington, New Zealand, marking the official beginning of voting for the October 27 election. Balloting subsequently commenced at Israel’s new embassy in Suva, Fiji, as the process began moving westward across the globe.

New York City is home to the largest overseas voting location, with approximately 700 eligible voters registered at the Israeli consulate. The substantial number reflects the concentration of Israeli diplomatic personnel and other authorized representatives stationed in the area.

The overseas voting arrangements are limited to designated Israelis serving abroad on official assignments, along with eligible family members. Unlike some other countries, Israel generally does not allow its citizens living overseas to vote in national elections simply by visiting an embassy or consulate.

Those permitted to participate include employees of Israeli embassies and consulates, military and economic attachés, representatives of government ministries, and qualifying relatives accompanying them on their assignments.

Under Israeli election law, certain employees of the Jewish Agency, Jewish National Fund, Keren Hayesod, and World Zionist Organization who are serving overseas may also qualify to vote at designated diplomatic polling stations, together with eligible spouses and children.

The voting operation requires extensive coordination between the Foreign Ministry and the Central Elections Committee. Election officials have arranged for the secure transportation of ballot papers and other materials to diplomatic missions, while local polling personnel have undergone special training to ensure that procedures are followed consistently.

Because the polling stations operate according to local time, the election process moves across the international date line and through Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas before concluding on the West Coast of the United States.

The final ballots are scheduled to be cast at Israeli consulates in Los Angeles and San Francisco, where polling stations will close at 8 p.m. Thursday local time, corresponding to 6 a.m. Friday in Israel.

Once voting concludes, participation figures will be transmitted to the Central Elections Committee. The completed ballot envelopes will be sealed, secured, and transported to Israel through diplomatic channels.

The votes will be processed under Israel’s double-envelope system, which allows election officials to verify eligibility and prevent duplicate voting while preserving the secrecy of individual ballots. They will be counted in Israel as part of the general election process.

The main election will take place Tuesday, October 27, when Israeli voters will choose the 120 members of the 26th Knesset. Most polling stations in Israel are scheduled to operate from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Under the election timetable, the Central Elections Committee is scheduled to publish the official results by November 4.

{Matzav.com}