As Israel Readies for Elections, Technology is a Double-Edged Sword
Israel’s upcoming elections are marked by a surge in technologies such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and widespread online misinformation. However, the method of voting and counting ballots remains surprisingly traditional, as emphasized by Dean Livne, acting director general of Israel’s Central Elections Committee (CEC). This approach aims to maintain the integrity and reliability of the electoral process, even as new technological threats emerge.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape
With the nation gearing up for the 2026 elections, the CEC faces challenges brought on by technological advancements that were absent during the last vote in November 2022. The introduction of generative AI has paved the way for innovative campaign strategies but also invites an influx of disinformation targeting voters. Livne acknowledges that the landscape has evolved significantly, stating, “What we were doing in 2022… is different from what we’re doing in 2026. The world is different, and in practice, technological advancement is amazing and surprising.”
Despite these changing dynamics, the voting process itself has not adopted advanced technologies. Voters still complete paper ballots, which are then placed in secure ballot boxes. From this point onward, the CEC employs various layers of verification to ensure the legitimacy of each vote, underscoring a commitment to a secure electoral system that prioritizes trust.
Ensuring Vote Integrity
Livne insists that the results are not simply transmitted online from polling stations, which poses risks to data security. After voting concludes, the results are recorded in a formal protocol at each polling location. This protocol is verified by representatives and documented on video, providing a transparent and secure method for results processing. Once the physical materials reach a regional election committee, a judge meticulously reviews the information to verify that the documented results correspond with the total voter turnout.
All elements of the electoral process, including the physical votes and their documentation, are kept offline, offering an additional layer of protection against potential cyber threats. Livne emphasizes that the CEC employs military-grade security measures to safeguard its data systems, marking its commitment to maintaining the integrity of Israel’s electoral process.
Addressing Misinformation
While the fundamental voting process remains intact, the information climate surrounding it is rapidly changing. The CEC has updated its election laws to regulate campaign materials altered or created with advanced technologies. Recognizing that voters might be misled by seemingly authentic content, the committee encourages voters to remain skeptical and vigilant about what they encounter online. Livne advises citizens to “doubt if it is true… be confused, learn, and come to us,” highlighting the importance of public awareness in today’s digital landscape.
The CEC’s role extends beyond merely counting votes; it also involves engaging with major platforms to mitigate the spread of false information. In preparing for potential misinformation campaigns, Livne assures that the CEC is ready to act swiftly, collaborating with security agencies to ensure that deceptive materials are flagged and removed from circulation.
A Robust Electorate
The increasing complexity of election security does not lie solely in the mechanics of voting. Rather, it also encompasses the challenge of misinformation that can shape voter perception before they even cast their ballots. Livne points out, “The world is different,” stressing that while ballot boxes may look unchanged, the flow of information affecting voters is evolving rapidly.
Israel, like many other nations, adheres to a mix of traditional voting practices and modern security measures. Voters casting simple party-list ballots facilitate a straightforward voting process, even amidst a growing array of technological influences. Ultimately, Israel’s dual approach—maintaining physical ballot integrity while adapting to contemporary challenges—positions it to tackle future electoral hurdles effectively.