Perach Israel Village Sets Up Mock Poll for Residents

More than 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are preparing to vote in Tuesday's Knesset election. They reside in a Perach Israel rehabilitation village that has implemented a specific initiative to facilitate their participation. The program involves a full simulation of the voting experience to reduce uncertainty on Election Day.

Staff members at the facility have constructed a mock polling station. The setup includes a standard voting booth, envelopes, and ballot slips. During practice sessions, guides explain the legal right to vote to each participant. Residents then physically select a ballot and place it inside an envelope, mirroring the steps required at official polling locations across the country.

The organization links this exercise to its wider rehabilitation goals. Moshe Stein, the CEO of Perach Israel, stated that the right to choose is a core component of daily life in the village. He noted that staff teach residents to make independent decisions on matters ranging from clothing selection to the use of free time. Stein described the ability to make such decisions as a major factor in the residents' quality of life.

The practice sessions are designed to help eligible residents navigate the practical aspects of casting a ballot in a familiar setting. By rehearsing the procedure, the village aims to ensure that these voters can participate effectively alongside the millions of other Israelis who will vote on October 27. The election will determine the composition of the next Knesset.

The mock polling station remains open for use until the morning of the election. Residents who are eligible to vote will use the knowledge gained during these rehearsals when they head to their designated official polling stations. The initiative concludes on Tuesday, when the general public casts its ballots.