Village residents test voting mechanics

Perach Israel staff installed a mock polling station inside a rehabilitation village to train residents for the upcoming Knesset election. The setup includes a voting booth, envelopes, and ballot slips, mirroring the equipment found in official polling places.

More than 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who live in the village, participated in the practice sessions. Staff members walked through the steps of the process, explaining the right to vote and assisting residents in selecting a candidate and sealing their choice in an envelope.

Moshe Stein, the CEO of Perach Israel, stated that the exercise extends the organization's focus on autonomy. "The right to choose is part of everyday life in our village," Stein said. He noted that residents practice making decisions in daily activities, such as selecting clothing or how to use their free time.

The initiative is scheduled to conclude before the October 27 election. The goal is to reduce anxiety and clarify the physical actions required to cast a valid ballot. Residents will head to their designated official polling stations the following day to vote for members of the Knesset.

The practice sessions are designed for eligible voters within the village. By rehearsing the specific steps of placing a ballot in a box, the organization aims to support residents in exercising their democratic rights alongside the rest of the Israeli electorate.