Low Haredi Turnout Could Cost Right-Wing Bloc Votes
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Voter turnout data for Israel's 26th Knesset elections shows a 13% increase in the Arab sector and 6% in left-wing areas, versus only 5% in right-wing areas and 1% among the Haredi public. Turnout in Haredi cities like Bnei Brak and Beitar Illit was below the national average. Pollster Shlomo Filber suggested these shifts could impact election results and potentially affect the right-wing bloc.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arab sector turnout rose 13%, left-wing areas 6%, right-wing areas 5%, and Haredi public 1%.
- Turnout in Haredi cities like Bnei Brak and Beitar Illit was below the national average.
- Pollster Shlomo Filber warned of potential impacts on the right-wing bloc.
- The national turnout average was 55.7% as of 5:38 PM.
- Sectoral turnout data has not been independently verified.
Election day data for Israel's 26th Knesset elections reveals significant turnout disparities among different sectors. While the Arab sector saw a 13% increase in voter participation compared to previous elections, and left-wing strongholds a 6% rise, right-wing areas experienced only a 5% increase. The Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public showed the lowest increase, at just 1%.
In Haredi-majority cities, voter turnout lagged behind the national average. Bnei Brak recorded 53% turnout, Beitar Illit 52%, and Emmanuel 48%. Jerusalem's turnout was 47%, nearly nine percentage points below the national average of 55.7% as of 5:38 PM.
These turnout gaps could be crucial in an election where every seat is contested. A larger increase in Arab sector turnout compared to other sectors could proportionally increase their representation in the Knesset.
Pollster Shlomo Filber, responsible for the Channel 14 poll, commented on the unusual turnout figures. He noted that if the increase were confined to Arab communities, the right-wing's fate might be sealed. However, he also observed turnout increases in right-wing and Haredi areas, which could offset the impact of higher Arab sector participation.
Filber predicted that these turnout shifts would influence the evening's polling results, stating they would differ from previously presented surveys. The data on sectoral turnout has not yet been independently verified.
