Perach Israel Village Residents Practice Voting Ahead of Tuesday Ballot

More than 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a Perach Israel rehabilitation village will vote in Tuesday's Knesset election. To prepare, staff set up a mock polling station where residents practice casting ballots. The setup includes a voting booth, envelopes, and ballot slips, mirroring the equipment at official locations.

Perach Israel operates the village, which serves as a home for the adults. Staff members guide residents through the process, explaining their right to vote. They help each person select a ballot and place it in an envelope, replicating the steps taken at real polling stations. This rehearsal allows residents to familiarize themselves with the mechanics of voting in a controlled environment.

Moshe Stein, CEO of Perach Israel, stated that the right to choose is a daily element of life in the village. He noted that staff teach residents to make their own decisions, from selecting clothing to deciding how to spend free time. Stein said this ability plays a large role in the residents' quality of life.

The practice sessions take place on Monday, October 26. They occur one day before the general election, when millions of Israelis will cast their votes. The initiative aims to ensure that eligible residents understand the process and can participate alongside the rest of the country on Tuesday, October 27.

The mock station is located within the village premises. Residents use it to learn the practical aspects of voting without the pressure of the actual election day. Staff members provide individual guidance throughout the exercise. The goal is to make the voting day routine for the participants, who will head to their official polling places the following morning.