Record Voter Turnout Reached Midday in Israeli Elections
A record 44.9% of eligible voters cast ballots by 2:00 PM in Israel's 26th Knesset elections, surpassing all previous records for midday turnout. The high participation led to long lines, prompting the Central Elections Committee to issue new directives to speed up the voting process. These include accepting expired IDs and prioritizing voters with disabilities. All voters arriving by the 10:00 PM closing time will be permitted to cast their ballot.
הידיעה ב-5 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Record 44.9% voter turnout by 2 PM in Israel's 26th Knesset elections.
- Midday turnout is the highest since records began in 1973.
- Turnout is up significantly from 38.9% at the same time in 2022.
- New directives aim to reduce long queues and speed up voting.
- Expired IDs accepted, disabled voters given priority.
As of 2:00 PM on election day for the 26th Knesset, 44.9% of eligible voters had cast their ballots, the Central Elections Committee reported Tuesday. This figure represents an all-time record for turnout at this hour since records began in 1973, and a significant increase compared to previous elections. Turnout at the same time in the 2022 elections was 38.9%, and in 2021 it was 34.6%.
The high voter turnout throughout the day led to long queues and extended waiting times at polling stations. In response to a request from Deputy Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, MK Erez Malul (Shas), the committee convened and decided to immediately clarify procedures for all polling station secretaries to streamline the voting process and prevent congestion.
New directives include allowing voters to cast ballots even with an expired, but clearly identifiable, ID card. Voters can also enter the polling booth area while the previous voter is still finishing their process. Signatures on ballot envelopes should be completed sequentially without causing delays. Crucially, voters with disabilities must be given immediate priority and allowed to enter with an escort if needed. The committee also reiterated that any voter arriving at a polling station by its closing time of 10:00 PM will be allowed to vote, regardless of queue length.
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