Record Knesset Election Turnout Sees Millions Vote by Midday

Israeli voters turned out in record numbers for the Knesset elections on October 27, with 55.7% of eligible citizens, approximately 4.85 million people, casting their ballots by 4:00 PM. This marks the highest turnout by this time of day since at least 1969, significantly surpassing the 47.5% recorded by the same hour in the 2022 elections. The Central Election Committee confirmed these figures, noting that voting is proceeding successfully despite high activity leading to queues at some polling stations. To manage the influx, the committee recommended streamlining processes, such as initiating the next voter's document check before the previous one finishes voting behind the curtain. Polling station staff were also instructed to avoid unnecessary questions if a voter's identity is clear and to handle additional checks separately to maintain flow. A senior election committee official stated that voting could be extended past 10:00 PM if necessary. Sociologist Shlomo Filber, who oversees polls and exit polls, warned that the high turnout could lead to significant shifts in Knesset seat distribution, potentially altering results from previously published surveys.