Perach Israel residents rehearse casting ballots for Tuesday's Knesset election
Staff at a rehabilitation village are guiding more than 200 adults with disabilities through a mock voting process to prepare them for the upcoming national vote.
By Fatou Kim ·
Perach Israel has established a mock polling station at its rehabilitation village to prepare more than 200 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the Knesset election scheduled for Tuesday, October 27. The facility includes a voting booth, envelopes, and ballot slips that mirror the equipment used at official polling locations.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the organization to assist eligible adults in exercising their democratic rights. Staff members are currently guiding residents through the specific mechanical steps of the voting process. This includes explaining the legal right to vote, 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 central component of daily life within the village. He noted that staff teach residents to make independent decisions in various areas, ranging from selecting clothing colors to determining how to spend free time. Stein described these decision-making abilities as playing a significant role in the residents' quality of life.
The practice sessions are being conducted in a familiar environment to help residents understand the practical aspects of casting a ballot. This preparation coincides with the national election, in which millions of Israelis will select representatives for the next Knesset. The goal is to ensure that eligible residents at the village can participate in the vote alongside the rest of the country.
