Haredi and Right-Wing Parties Concerned Over Low Voter Turnout
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are worried about a sharp drop in voter turnout in their strongholds, citing disappointment over yeshiva student draft issues and new competing lists. High national and Arab sector turnout increases the threshold for seats, potentially weakening Haredi parties. Emergency efforts are underway to boost voter participation before polls close.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism report deep concern over declining voter turnout.
- Low turnout is seen in Haredi cities like Bnei Brak, Elad, Beitar Illit, Modi'in Illit, and Jerusalem.
- Disappointment over yeshiva student draft status and new Haredi lists are blamed for apathy.
- High national and Arab sector turnout raises the bar for parliamentary seats.
- Emergency operations are launched to mobilize Haredi voters before polls close.
Haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are expressing deep concern over significantly lower voter turnout in their strongholds compared to previous elections. This decline is observed in cities like Bnei Brak, Elad, Beitar Illit, Modi'in Illit, and Jerusalem. Political figures within the Haredi sector attribute this apathy to several factors, including widespread disappointment over the unresolved status of yeshiva students and ongoing arrests of those who have not reported to draft offices. The emergence of new and alternative Haredi lists is also seen as siphoning votes from established parties.
While national turnout reached 55.7% by 4:00 PM, with high participation in the IDF (48% by 1:00 PM) and the Arab sector, this surge raises the threshold for securing parliamentary seats. This trend threatens to diminish the relative influence of Haredi parties.
In response to the concerning data, emergency operations have been launched by Shas and United Torah Judaism to mobilize voters before polls close. Concerns are also being voiced on the right, with a warning that a failure to increase participation could lead to unexpected electoral outcomes.
