As Israel approaches another election, citizens who live abroad and return to vote are becoming the focus of an increasingly charged debate. Some call their arrival an act of civic responsibility. Others see people who will not live with the consequences of their choice shaping the future of those who remain in Israel.

That objection deserves serious consideration. Israelis who live here experience most directly the effects of decisions on security, taxation, education and the economy. It is reasonable to ask whether residence should affect a citizen’s ability to determine the country’s future, but that question must be addressed to the legislature, not turned into an accusation against citizens who follow the existing rules.

Moreover, the argument has limits. Within Israel, voting rights are not calibrated according to taxes paid, military service or the effect of government decisions on an individual. A pensioner, student, new immigrant and unemployed citizen each have an equal vote. Democracy rests not on equal contributions, but on equal civic status. Living abroad may justify a separate rule, but it does not make a lawful vote morally less valid.

Most Israelis abroad cannot vote at an embassy, consulate or by mail. Only a limited set of people serving overseas in diplomatic, governmental or other........

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