Israeli Election Day Traditions and Misconceptions Debunked
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israeli election day traditions, often on Tuesdays, are explained by historical needs to avoid Shabbat and accommodate voter travel. Past elections have seen varied impacts from weather and allegations of fraud, particularly in Haredi areas. Famous election night quotes, such as "a revolution" and "Arabs flocking to the polls," have been misremembered, with actual statements being more nuanced. Voter turnout among Arab citizens saw a significant increase in 2015.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli elections are typically held on Tuesdays, unlike many countries that vote on Sundays.
- Severe weather in past Israeli elections did not necessarily decrease voter turnout.
- Hundreds of voter fraud cases were allegedly reported in the 1999 Israeli elections.
- A famous 1977 election night quote was misremembered as "Ladies and gentlemen, a revolution."
- Arab voter turnout in Israel significantly increased in the 2015 elections.
Election day timing in Israel, traditionally held on Tuesdays, is rooted in historical practices, unlike many countries that vote on Sundays for religious observance. The US adopted Tuesday voting in the 19th century to accommodate farmers needing travel time to polling stations and return trips, while allowing them church on Sunday. Other nations have different traditions: Canada votes on Mondays, the UK on Thursdays, and Australia and New Zealand on Saturdays. Israel's Basic Law: The Knesset from 1958 specifically set election days to avoid Shabbat.
Weather forecasts for the upcoming election predict mild conditions with little to no rain, a contrast to past elections where severe weather impacted turnout. The 2009 elections, despite facing 50-80 kph winds, heavy rain, and power outages, saw a slight increase in voter turnout from 2006. Notably, the first elections in 1949, held during torrential rain, still hold the record for highest turnout at 86.9%.
Concerns over voter fraud have been a recurring issue, particularly in Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) polling stations. During the 1999 elections, Ehud Barak's "One Israel" party implemented strict monitoring procedures, instructing observers to remain vigilant, verify voter identities, and ensure voters removed disguises like hats and glasses. While police reported 69 fraud cases, the Kibbutz Movement's election observers claimed hundreds of instances.
Famous election night pronouncements have also been subject to misinterpretation. Many believe statistician Hanoch Smith, conducting the first televised election poll for the Israel Broadcasting Authority in 1977, said "Ladies and gentlemen, a revolution." In reality, he stated, "This is, therefore, probably nothing less than a revolution." Similarly, Prime Minister Netanyahu's 2015 video warning about "Arabs flocking to the polls" was a misquote; he actually said, "Arab voters are moving in large numbers to the polls." This statement had some basis, as Arab voter turnout increased significantly in 2015 compared to 2013, driven by enthusiasm for the Joint List, though claims of left-wing organizations busing voters were unfounded.
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