Author Urges Israelis to Vote in Upcoming Knesset Elections
As Israel approaches the Knesset elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, columnist Mila Ackerman is urging citizens to participate, arguing that abstaining from voting effectively strengthens opposing political forces. Ackerman contends that approximately 30% of voters, who have historically chosen not to vote since 2019, believe their vote is inconsequential or that elections are rigged. She refutes this, stating that not voting empowers those whose vision for Israel differs from the voter's own.
Ackerman illustrates this with an example: a voter who desires a Jewish, democratic state with equality, religious freedom, and civil marriage rights, but chooses leisure over voting, inadvertently supports parties aiming for a "halachic state" where rights and obligations are unequal. This is because parties that successfully mobilize their voters gain an advantage when others stay home.
The author cites voter turnout data from the last five elections, highlighting a trend: while national turnout hovers around 70%, Tel Aviv-Yafo consistently shows lower participation (around 60%), whereas Bnei Brak demonstrates higher turnout (around 77%). She notes a declining trend in Tel Aviv-Yafo's turnout, widening the gap with the national average. Ackerman emphasizes that increasing turnout in secular-majority cities like Tel Aviv-Yafo could significantly impact election outcomes.
Addressing claims of election fraud, Ackerman states that extensive review of election reporting reveals no evidence of widespread manipulation, unlike in some other countries. She credits the Central Election Commission, the State Comptroller's office, law enforcement, and party representatives for maintaining election integrity. Ackerman argues that the primary "falsification" occurs in propaganda, where politicians exploit voter credulity. She concludes by reiterating that casting a vote on October 27 is the most effective way for citizens to influence the country's future and ensure it remains a comfortable, advanced, and secure state for all its citizens.
