Moshe Stein: Voting practice at Perach Israel empowers 200 residents

Perach Israel has installed a mock polling station at its rehabilitation village to prepare residents for the Knesset election scheduled for October 27. The initiative involves more than 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live at the facility. This group will practice the specific steps required to cast a vote before the actual election date.

The setup includes a voting booth, envelopes, and ballot slips. Staff members guide residents through the sequence of actions. They explain the right to vote and assist residents in selecting a ballot and placing it inside an envelope. The process mirrors the procedures used at official polling stations across the country.

Moshe Stein, CEO of Perach Israel, stated that the ability to choose is a core component of daily life at the village. He noted that staff teach residents to make independent decisions regarding personal matters. These decisions range from selecting clothing colors to determining how to spend free time. Stein said this autonomy plays a large role in the quality of life for the residents.

The practice sessions take place in the residents' familiar environment. This setting allows them to learn the practical aspects of voting without the pressure of the election day itself. The village aims to ensure that eligible residents understand the process before the millions of Israelis head to the polls to choose their representatives. The goal is to enable these residents to participate in the election alongside the rest of the population.

The Knesset election will determine the composition of the next Israeli parliament. Perach Israel’s program focuses on the mechanical and procedural side of voting. By rehearsing the act of selecting and submitting a ballot, the organization seeks to reduce barriers for participants. The mock station remains open for these sessions until the official voting period begins on Tuesday.