Israel's Midweek Voting Day: Unpacking Election Traditions and Myths
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Israeli elections are held on Tuesdays, a tradition rooted in historical needs to count votes before the Sabbath and, in the US context, allow farmers to return home for Sunday services. Despite beliefs that bad weather reduces turnout, historical data shows high participation during storms, including the record 86.9% in 1949. Measures were taken to prevent fraud in the 1999 elections, with 69 reports filed. Turnout among Arab voters significantly increased in 2015, contrary to some claims.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel votes on Tuesdays to ensure vote counting is completed before the Sabbath begins.
- High voter turnout has occurred during severe weather, including the record 86.9% in 1949.
- 69 reports of attempted election fraud were filed following the 1999 elections.
- Arab voter turnout reached 63.5% in 2015, a significant increase from previous elections.
- The famous "Mahapach" election night quote was "This is, therefore, apparently nothing less than an upheaval."
Israeli election day traditions, particularly the choice of a Tuesday vote, are rooted in historical and practical considerations, according to an analysis by Calcalist observer Shachar Ilan. Unlike many countries that vote on Sundays due to it being a weekend, Israel, like the US, holds elections on Tuesdays. This weekday voting is common in English-speaking nations, with Canada voting on Mondays and the UK on Thursdays, while Australia and New Zealand opt for Saturdays. Israel's 1958 Basic Law: The Knesset mandates elections be held early enough to allow for vote counting before the Sabbath begins. The US tradition of Tuesday voting dates back to the 19th century, designed to allow farmers ample travel time to reach polling stations and return home for Sunday services.
The impact of weather on voter turnout is often debated, with a common belief that rain depresses participation, especially among undecided or less engaged voters. However, historical data suggests otherwise. During a severe winter storm in February 2009, with winds up to 80 km/h and heavy rain and hail causing power outages, voter turnout increased from 63.5% in 2006 to 64.7%. The highest turnout in Israeli history, 86.9% on January 25, 1949, occurred during heavy rain. The forecast for the upcoming October 27 election predicts warm and dry weather.
Concerns about election fraud have also been a recurring theme. In the 1999 elections, significant measures were taken to prevent fraud, particularly in ultra-Orthodox areas. Barak's party observers were instructed to remain at polling stations and meticulously check voter identification. Following the election, 69 reports of attempted fraud were filed with the police, though actual numbers were suspected to be higher.
The introduction of televised exit polls in 1977, conducted by sociologist Hanoch Smith for the Broadcasting Authority, marked a significant moment. Contrary to popular belief, the famous "Mahapach" (upheaval) quote was not simply "Ladies and gentlemen, a revolution," but rather "This is, therefore, apparently nothing less than an upheaval." In the 2015 elections, Benjamin Netanyahu's statement about "Arab voters moving en masse to the ballot box" had some basis, as turnout in Arab communities rose to 63.5% in 2015 from 56.5% in 2013, reaching its highest point since 1999. This was attributed to enthusiasm for the formation of the Joint List, and claims of "leftists bringing them (Arabs) by bus" were unfounded.
Mentioned
