Disability Village Sets Up Fake Polls Before Tuesday

A rehabilitation village in Israel has opened a mock polling station to prepare its residents for the Knesset election scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.

More than 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living at the Perach Israel facility are using the setup to practice casting their ballots. The station includes a voting booth, envelopes, and ballot slips that mimic the materials found in official polling places.

Staff members guide the residents through the mechanical steps of the process. They explain the right to vote and assist participants in selecting a candidate and placing the marked ballot into an envelope.

Moshe Stein, CEO of Perach Israel, stated that the right to choose is a core component of daily life at the village. He noted that staff teach residents to make decisions in all areas, ranging from selecting clothing to allocating free time. Stein said this ability to make independent decisions plays a major role in the residents' quality of life.

The exercise allows the adults to learn the practical aspects of voting within a familiar environment. This preparation occurs just before millions of Israelis head to the polls to select representatives for the next Knesset.

The practice sessions aim to ensure that eligible residents can participate in the election alongside the rest of the country. The village's initiative concludes as the official voting day approaches.